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Title: The Gold Hunter's Adventures
       Or, Life in Australia


Author: William H. Thomes

Illustrator: Champney



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Language: English

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THE GOLD HUNTER'S ADVENTURES

Or, Life in Australia

by

WILLIAM H. THOMES
A Returned Australian

Illustrated by Champney

BOSTON:
LEE AND SHEPARD, PUBLISHERS.
NEW YORK:
CHARLES T. DILLINGHAM.







[Illustration]




CONTENTS.


  INTRODUCTION

  CHAPTER I.
  FIRST THOUGHTS OF GOING TO AUSTRALIA.--DEPARTURE FROM CALIFORNIA.--LIFE
  ON BOARD SHIP.--ARRIVAL AT WILLIAMS
  TOWN.--DESCRIPTION OF MELBOURNE.--A CONVICT'S HUT.

  CHAPTER II.
  A MORNING IN AUSTRALIA.--JOURNEY TO THE MINES OF BALLARAT.--THE
  CONVICT'S STORY.--BLACK DARNLEY, THE BUSHRANGER.

  CHAPTER III.
  TRAVELLING IN AUSTRALIA.--AN ADVENTURE WITH SNAKES.--CARRYING
  THE MAILS.

  CHAPTER IV.
  EATING BROILED KANGAROO MEAT.--AUSTRALIAN SPEAKS AND
  AMERICAN RIFLES.

  CHAPTER V.
  THE SOLITARY STOCKMAN.--SHOOTING A KANGAROO.

  CHAPTER VI.
  ADVENTURE WITH A DOG.--THE MURDER IN THE RAVINE.--STORY
  OF AN OUTRAGED WOMAN.

  CHAPTER VII.
  BLACK DARNLEY'S VILLANY.--THE CONVICT STOCKMAN.

  CHAPTER VIII.
  AN EXPEDITION.--A FIGHT WITH BUSHRANGERS.--DEATH OF BLACK
  DARNLEY.

  CHAPTER IX.
  THE STOCKMAN'S DAUGHTER.--MOUNTED POLICE OF MELBOURNE.

  CHAPTER X.
  DESPERATE DEEDS OF TWO CONVICTS.--LIEUT. MURDEN'S STORY.

  CHAPTER XI.
  SAGACITY OF A DOG.--A NIGHT'S ADVENTURES.

  CHAPTER XII.
  DISCOVERY OF A MASONIC RING.--FUNERAL PYRE OF BLACK DARNLEY.

  CHAPTER XIII.
  THE STOCKMAN AND HIS PARROT.--DARING PLOT OF A ROBBER CHIEFTAIN.

  CHAPTER XIV.
  DISCOVERY OF STOLEN TREASURES IN THE STOCKMANS'S CELLAR.

  CHAPTER XV.
  DYING CONFESSION OF JIM GULPIN, THE ROBBER.

  CHAPTER XVI.
  A FORCED MARCH TOWARDS MELBOURNE.

  CHAPTER XVII.
  TRIUMPHAL ENTRY INTO MELBOURNE.

  CHAPTER XVIII.
  LARGE FIRE IN MELBOURNE.--ENGLISH MACHINES AT FAULT.

  CHAPTER XIX.
  PARDON OF SMITH AND THE OLD STOCKMAN.--GRAND DINNER AT
  THE GOVERNOR'S.

  CHAPTER XX.
  DUEL BETWEEN FRED AND AN ENGLISH LIEUTENANT.

  CHAPTER XXI.
  PREPARATIONS FOR THE SEARCH FOR GULPIN'S BURIED TREASURES.

  CHAPTER XXII.
  DEPARTURE FROM MELBOURNE.--FIGHT WITH THE NATIVES.

  CHAPTER XXIII.
  ARRIVAL AT THE OLD STOCKMAN'S HUT.--MYSTERIOUS INTERRUPTIONS DURING THE
  HUNT.

  CHAPTER XXIV.
  ROBBERY OF THE CART.--CAPTURE OF STEEL SPRING.

  CHAPTER XXV.
  STEEL SPRING'S HISTORY.

  CHAPTER XXVI.
  FINDING OF THE TREASURE.

  CHAPTER XXVII.
  CAPTURE OF ALL HANDS, BY THE BUSHRANGERS.

  CHAPTER XXVIII.
  OPPORTUNE ARRIVAL OF LIEUTENANT MURDEN AND HIS FORCE.--ROUT OF THE
  BUSHRANGERS.

  CHAPTER XXIX.
  REVENGE OF THE BUSHRANGERS.--FIRING OF THE FOREST.

  CHAPTER XXX.
  PERILOUS SITUATION DURING THE FIRE.--STEEL SPRING TURNS
  UP.

  CHAPTER XXXI.
  CAPTURE OF THE BUSHRANGERS, AND DEATH OF NOSEY.

  CHAPTER XXXII.
  RETURN TO THE STOCKMAN'S HUT.--SMITH IN LOVE.

  CHAPTER XXXIII.
  RECOVERY OF THE GOLD.--ARRIVAL AT BALLARAT.

  CHAPTER XXXIV.
  THE BULLY OF BALLARAT.--FRED FIGHTS A DUEL.

  CHAPTER XXXV.
  BALLARAT CUSTOMS, AFTER A DUEL.

  CHAPTER XXXVI.
  ARRIVAL AT BALLARAT.--MR. BROWN'S STORY.

  CHAPTER XXXVII.
  FINDING OF A 110 LB. NUGGET.--CAVING IN OF A MINE.

  CHAPTER XXXVIII.
  INCIDENTS IN LIFE AT BALLARAT.

  CHAPTER XXXIX.
  ATTEMPT OF THE HOUSEBREAKER.--ATTACK BY THE SNAKE.

  CHAPTER XL.
  DEATH OF THE BURGLAR BY THE SNAKE.

  CHAPTER XLI.
  VISIT TO SNAKES' PARADISE.

  CHAPTER XLII.
  FLIGHT FROM THE SNAKES.--ATTACKED BY THE BUSHRANGERS.

  CHAPTER XLIII.
  TRIUMPHANT ENTRY INTO BALLARAT, WITH THE BUSHRANGERS.

  CHAPTER XLIV.
  THRASHING A BULLY.

  CHAPTER XLV.
  A YOUNG GIRL'S ADVENTURES IN SEARCH OF HER LOVER.

  CHAPTER XLVI.
  A MARRIAGE, AND AN ELOPEMENT.

  CHAPTER XLVII.
  COLLECTING TAXES OF THE MINERS.

  CHAPTER XLVIII.
  MURDEN AND STEEL SPRING ARRIVE FROM MELBOURNE.

  CHAPTER XLIX.
  CATCHING A TARL AS WELL AS A CASSIOWARY.

  CHAPTER L.
  ARRIVAL OF SMITH.--ATTEMPT TO BURN THE STORE.

  CHAPTER LI.
  ATTEMPT TO BURN THE STORE.

  CHAPTER LII.
  THE ATTEMPT TO MURDER MR. CRITCHET.

  CHAPTER LIII.
  OPPORTUNE ARRIVAL OF MR. BROWN.--THEY SEND FOR STEEL SPRING.

  CHAPTER LIV.
  THE WAY THE COLONISTS OBTAIN WIVES IN AUSTRALIA.

  CHAPTER LV.
  ADVENTURES AT DAN BRIAN'S DRINKING-HOUSE.

  CHAPTER LVI.
  ADVENTURES CONTINUED.

  CHAPTER LVII.
  MORE OF THE SAME SORT.

  CHAPTER LVIII.
  CONVALESCENCE OF MR. CRITCHET, AND OUR DISCHARGE FROM THE
  CRIMINAL DOCKET.

  CHAPTER LIX.
  OUR TEAMSTER BARNEY, AND HIS WIFE.

  CHAPTER LX.
  MIKE FINDS THE LARGE "NUGGET."

  CHAPTER LXI.
  THE RESULT OF GROWING RICH TOO RAPIDLY.

  CHAPTER LXII.
  THE FLOUR SPECULATION.--MR. CRITCHET'S STORY.

  CHAPTER LXIII.
  THE SAME, CONTINUED.

  CHAPTER LXIV.
  MR. BROWN'S DISCHARGE FROM THE POLICE FORCE.--BILL SWINTON'S
  CONFESSION.

  CHAPTER LXV.
  THE EXPEDITION AFTER BILL SWINTON'S BURIED TREASURES.

  CHAPTER LXVI.
  JOURNEY AFTER THE BURIED TREASURE.

  CHAPTER LXVII.
  THE HUNT FOR THE BURIED TREASURE.

  CHAPTER LXVIII.
  THE ISLAND GHOST.--NARROW ESCAPE OF MR. BROWN.

  CHAPTER LXIX.
  CAPTURE OF THE GHOST.

  CHAPTER LXX.
  THE GHOST AND THE BUSHRANGERS.

  CHAPTER LXXI.
  SAM TYRELL AND THE GHOST.

  CHAPTER LXXII.
  FINDING THE BURIED TREASURE.

  CHAPTER LXXIII.
  THE ESCAPE FROM THE FIRE.

  CHAPTER LXXIV.
  ARRIVAL AT MR. WRIGHT'S STATION.

  CHAPTER LXXV.
  SUPPER.--RETURN OF MR. WRIGHT'S SCOUTS.

  CHAPTER LXXVI.
  MIKE TUMBLES INTO THE RIVER.--ARRIVAL OF THE BUSHRANGERS.

  CHAPTER LXXVII.
  CAPTURE OF THE BUSHRANGERS.

  CHAPTER LXXVIII.
  PUNISHING THE BULLY.

  CHAPTER LXXIX.
  MR. WRIGHT'S FARM.--DEATH OF KELLY.

  CHAPTER LXXX.
  JOURNEY BACK TO BALLARAT.

  CHAPTER LXXXI.
  STEEL SPRING IN THE FIELD.--ATTEMPT OF THE COMMISSIONER TO
  CONFISCATE OUR HORSES.

  CHAPTER LXXXII.
  SAME CONTINUED.--DEATH OF ROSS.

  CHAPTER LXXXIII.
  ARREST OF FRED.--TRIP TO MELBOURNE, AND ITS RESULTS.




INTRODUCTION.


Since my return from Australia, I have been solicited by a number of
friends to give them a history of my adventures in that land of gold,
where kangaroos are supposed to be as plenty as natives, and jump ten
times as far, and where natives are imagined to be continually lying in
ambush for the purpose of making a hearty meal upon the bodies of those
unfortunate travellers who venture far into the interior of the
country--where bushrangers are continually hanging about camp fires,
ready to cut the weasands of those who close their eyes for a
moment--and lastly, where every other man that you meet is expected to
be a convict, transported from the mother country for such petty crimes
as forgery, house-breaking, and manslaughter in the second degree.

My friends have all desired to hear me relate these particulars, and
have honored me with a large attendance at my rooms, and sat late at
night, and drank my wine and water, and smoked my cigars, with a relish
that did me great credit, as it showed that I am something of a
connoisseur in the choice of such luxuries. And then they laughed so
loudly at my jokes, no matter how poor they were, that, for a few days
after my arrival home, I really thought the air of Australia had
improved and sharpened my wit.

I should, no doubt, have continued feasting those who listened so
patiently to my yarns, had not a sudden idea entered my head, one night,
when the company were the most boisterous. I was in the act of raising a
glass of wine to my mouth, when it occurred to me that before I left
this country for Australia, via California, scarcely one of those
present had assembled on the dock to bid me farewell.

I placed the untasted wine upon the table again, lighted a cigar, and
was soon buried in smoke and reflection. I thought of the time when I
had not money enough to pay my passage to the Golden State--of the
exertions I had made to raise the amount necessary, and the many
refusals that I had met with at the hands of those who now professed to
be my friends.

I blew aside the smoke that enveloped my head, and fixed my eyes upon
one red-faced cousin, who owned bank shares, and bought stocks when low,
and sold them when a rise had taken place. He had laughed at me for my
impertinence in supposing that he could loan me money, and now he was
seated at my table, chuckling at my jokes, and swearing, while he helped
himself to liquor, that I was the best fellow alive, and that there was
nothing but what he would do for me.

Could it be possible that the possession of fifty or sixty thousand
dollars had wrought such a change? I was forced to believe it, and I
grew sad at the thought, and no more jokes escaped my lips that night;
but the company remained as late as usual, and declared by a unanimous
vote that they would meet again at the same place the next evening, and
hear further particulars.

Before sunset the next day I had changed my apartments, and taken
private lodgings with a friend who had visited me but once since my
return, and had then refused to accept of the hospitalities that I was
disposed to offer him. He had lent me money without security--he had
declined taking interest for the same--he had welcomed me on my arrival
as warmly as I expected--he did not ask me how much dust I had brought
back and he never said a word about his wish to be repaid the few
hundred dollars that he had advanced me when I left home to seek my
fortune. When I did offer him the money, and thrust a diamond ring upon
his finger as a token of my esteem, he blushed like a young school girl,
and declared that he didn't deserve it.

At his house, then, I took up my abode; and while his family treat me
with respect, they possess none of the fawning which characterizes my
other friends. As the latter have frequently expressed their sorrow for
my sudden removal, and their anxiety to know what events befell me in
the mines of Australia, I have come to the conclusion that I would put
them in print; and now those who used to drink my liquor and feast at my
table will learn how I acquired my fortune, and then, if so disposed,
they can follow in my footsteps and gain a competence for themselves.

This much I have told the reader in confidence, and with the hope that
it will not be repeated, as my red-faced cousin, who every day is to be
seen on 'Change, might be seriously angry if he was suspected of
mercenary motives. With this introduction I will commence my narrative.




LIFE IN AUSTRALIA;

OR,

A GOLD HUNTER'S ADVENTURES.




CHAPTER I.

FIRST THOUGHTS OF GOING TO AUSTRALIA.--DEPARTURE FROM CALIFORNIA.--LIFE
ON BOARD SHIP.--ARRIVAL AT WILLIAMS TOWN.--DESCRIPTION OF MELBOURNE.--A
CONVICT'S HUT.


It was as hot an afternoon on the banks of the American Fork as ever
poor mortals could be subjected to and still retain sufficient vitality
to draw their breath. Under a small tent, stretched upon their backs,
with shirt collars unbuttoned, boots off, and a most languid expression
upon their faces, were two men--both of them of good size, with a fair
display of muscle, broad-chested, hands hard and blackened with toil,
yet not badly formed; for had they been but covered with neat fitting
gloves, and at an opera, ladies might have thought they were small.

These two men, one of whom was reading a newspaper, while the other was
trying to take a _siesta_, were Frederick Button, and his faithful
companion, the writer of these adventures, whom we will distinguish by
the name of Jack, as it is both familiar and common, and has the merit
of being short.

As I was reading the paper, the contents of which interested me, I paid
but little attention to my friend, until I suddenly laid it down, and
said,--

"Fred, let's go to Australia."

"Go to the d----l," he replied, turning on his side, his back towards
me, and uttering a long w-h-e-w, as though he had found it difficult to
catch his breath, it was so hot.

"We should find it hotter in the regions of his Satanic Majesty than
here; but that is something that concerns you alone, as no doubt you are
fully aware."

Fred uttered a grunt--he was too warm to laugh, and I again returned to
the charge.

"Gold mines have been discovered in Australia, and ships are up at San
Francisco for Melbourne. A party of twenty left there last week, and
more are to follow."

There was no reply, and I continued:--

"It is stated in this paper that a man took out a lump of gold weighing
one hundred and twenty pounds, and that he had been but ten days in the
mines when he found it."

"What?" cried Fred, suddenly sitting up, and wiping the perspiration
from his brow.

I repeated the statement.

"It's a d----d lie," cried Fred.

"Then let's go and prove it so."

"How's the climate in that part of the world--hot or cold?"

"About the same as here."

Fred meditated for a few minutes, lighted his pipe, and smoked on in
silence; and as there was nothing better to do. I joined him.

"We are not making a fortune here in California, and if we don't do any
thing in Australia, we shall see the country, and that will be worth
something," I said.

"Then let's go," cried Fred, refilling his pipe; and that very evening
we commenced selling our stock of superfluous articles to our numerous
neighbors, saving nothing but tent, revolvers, rifles, and a few other
articles that would stand us in need when we reached Australia.

A week from the day that we made up our mind to try what luck there was
in store for us in Australia, we were on board of a clipper ship, and
with some two dozen other steerage passengers (for Fred and myself were
determined to be economical) we were passing through the Golden Gate on
our way to a strange land, where we did not possess a friend or
acquaintance that we knew of.

"Well," said Fred, as he stood on deck at the close of the day, and saw
the mountains of California recede from view, "it's precious little fun
I've seen in that country; and if our new home is not more exciting, I
shall be like the Irishman who pined away because he couldn't get up a
fight."

"Don't give yourself any uneasiness on that score," replied the mate,
who chanced to overhear the remark. "I'll warrant that you'll see as
many musses as you'll care to mix in."

"Then, Australia, thou art my home," cried Fred, with a theatrical wave
of his hand, as though bidding adieu to the Golden State forever.

Fred was one of the most peaceable men in the world, and never commenced
a quarrel; but when once engaged in a conflict, he was like a lion, and
would as soon think of yielding as the royal beast.

For nearly fifty days did we roll on the Pacific, amusing ourselves by
playing at "all fours," speculating on the chances of our arrival, and
making small wagers on the day that we should drop anchor; and after we
had all lost and won about an equal amount, we were one morning
overjoyed by the sight of land. Standing boldly in towards a low coast,
with no signs of a harbor, it was not until we were within half a mile
of the shore that we discovered a narrow entrance that opened into
Hobson's Bay; when we dropped anchor opposite to a town consisting of a
dozen or twenty houses, and over one of them floated the flag of
England.

"Well, Mr. Mate," asked Fred, as the men went aloft to furl sails, "do
you call that densely-populated city Melbourne?"

"That!" replied the mate, with a look of contempt at the scattered
houses. "That be d----d. That's Williams Town. Melbourne is a fine city,
seven miles from here, and where all the luxuries of life can be
obtained; but tobacco is the dearest one--so be careful of your weed."

As the officers of the custom house were even then coming on board, we
thanked him for the hint, and put ours out of their reach.

Williams Town is situated at the mouth of the River Zarra, on Hobson's
Bay, and at one time actually threatened to become a place of
considerable importance; but the water for domestic use was too bad to
be tolerated, and most of those who had settled there were glad to
retrace their steps to Melbourne, where a better sort of article exists.

"How are the mines? Do they still hold out?" I inquired of one of the
crew of the custom house boat, who was leaning against the rail in a
languid manner, as though he had been overworked for the past six
months.

"Yes, I s'pose so," he answered; and he spoke as though each word cost
him an immense amount of labor.

"Then, Fred, we are in luck," I cried, turning to my partner who stood
near at hand.

"Intend going to the mines?" the man asked, with a sudden show of
interest.

"Such is our intention," I replied.

"'Mericans, I suppose," he inquired.

"Yes."

"Then don't go if you want to keep the number of your mess," the boatman
said.

"Why not?" Fred ventured to inquire.

"'Cos they kill Yankees at the mines. Jim," he continued, turning to a
comrade, "how many 'Mericans were killed week afore last at Ballarat?"

"O, I don't know," replied the individual referred to. "A dozen or
twenty, I believe. Might have been more or less. I'm not 'ticular within
a man or two."

"Thank you for your information," cried Fred. "And now one question
more. Can you tell me how many Englishmen were killed by those same
Americans, before they died?"

This question appeared to astonish the men; for they looked at each
other, and then examined Fred with scrutinizing glances.

"I guess he'll do," they said, at length; and finding that we were not
to be frightened, they turned their attention to passengers more
credulous, and actually made some of them believe what they said was
true.

The next morning we hired a boat to take our luggage to the wharf, where
the steamers, which ply between Sydney, Geelong, and Melbourne, stop.
Our traps did not amount to much, as we had no money to spare for
freighting, and when we first stepped upon the soil of Australia, our
worldly possessions consisted of four shirts, do. pants, two pairs of
boots, blankets, tents, &c., the whole weighing just one hundred and
fifty pounds--not a large amount, but sufficient for two men, whose
wants were easily supplied.

There were a dozen rough, loaferish looking men, whiling away their time
upon the wharf; but as they confined themselves to simply asking a few
questions as to what part of the world we came from, and received
satisfactory answers, they soon lost all interest in us, and began to
speculate what time the steamer would arrive.

She did not reach the dock until noon; and as we had seen enough of
Williams Town, we readily embarked, and in an hour's time were at
Melbourne, gazing with interest at every thing that met our view.

The city was full of life and business: heaps of goods were exposed
ready for transportation to the mines, and large, lumbering carts of
English build were crawling slowly through the streets, drawn by five
and six yoke of oxen, while the drivers, armed with whips, the lashes of
which were of immense length, though the stock or handle was barely two
and a-half feet long, whirled them over the frightened animals' heads,
and whenever they struck the poor brutes, a small, circular piece of
skin was taken out, leaving the quivering flesh exposed to the sun, and
a prey for the numerous insects that hovered in the air.

We carried our stuff on shore, and then considered what was necessary to
get to the mines; and while we rested upon our bundles, and ate a
portion of the salt junk and biscuit that the cook of the ship had
insisted upon our taking with us, we took a calm survey of
Melbourne--its advantages and disadvantages. The city occupies two sides
of a valley, called East Hill and West Hill, and is well laid out.

The streets are broad, unpaved, and formed so that during the heavy
rains the water will centre into the gutters, which are flagged with a
substantial kind of stone to prevent the sidewalks from washing away
during the rainy season, when the gutters resemble small mountain
torrents, and enough head is obtained to carry half a dozen sawmills.

At the place where we landed there is barely sufficient room for the
steamer to turn round for the bay, or arm, of the River Zarra is small,
and the water shoal. Every available place near the landing was crowded,
however, with crafts of all descriptions, from the light-draughted
schooner to huge launches, with loads of goods which they had received
from ships lying in Hobson's Bay. Altogether, the scene reminded one
very much of San Francisco; and so our spirits rose as we contemplated
the bustle going on.

"Well, my men, are you in want of work?" asked a well-dressed elderly
gentleman, who had arrived in a carriage driven by a coachman in livery,
and a footman, dressed in the same garb. He appeared to own every thing
that he looked at; for we had seen half a dozen men take his orders, and
then proceed to obey them with alacrity.

"We thought we'd try the mines first," I replied, in answer to his
question.

"Hard work--hard work," he said, with a smile. "Americans, I see--smart
men in that country. Hope you'll do well here. Afraid not if you go to
the mines. Want men to help get these goods under shelter. Like to
employ you;" and off he bustled.

"A pretty good sort of man, I guess," remarked Fred.

"I say, stranger," I asked, turning to a person with a cartman's frock
on, who was seated on a box smoking a pipe, "can you tell me who that
gentleman is?"

"I didn't see any gentleman," he answered, without even taking his pipe
from his mouth.

"Why, I mean the one who just spoke to us--the man with the white vest
and gold buttons."

"Him--he's a ticket-of-leave man, and has more money than half of the
merchants in Melbourne," replied the cartman.

"What, that man a convict?" I asked, with surprise.

"Just so--transported for fourteen years for house-breaking. Behaved
himself, and so got liberty to enter into business; and now he is at the
top of the heap. In two years his time will be out, and then he can stay
or go where he pleases."

After this piece of news the convict became an object of curiosity to
us, and we watched him until he entered his carriage and drove off, his
coachman treating him with as much respect as he would the governor
general.

"I say," asked Fred of our new acquaintance, "do all convicts get rich?
Because if they do I want to become one as soon as possible."

"Not all," replied the man; "but some blunder into luck, and others are
shrewd and look after the chances. I don't suppose I shall ever be rich,
although I am doing pretty well."

"And are you a--"

I didn't like to say convict, and so I hesitated.

"O, yes; I was sentenced to ten years' transportation for writing
another man's name instead of my own on a piece of paper."

"That is forgery."

The convict smiled, as much as to say, you have hit it, and continued to
smoke his pipe with infinite satisfaction.

"I should like to know if the company we are likely to meet in the mines
are of the same class?" muttered Fred.

"Most of them," replied the man, who appeared to be a man of education;
"and you'll find them more honest than those never sentenced, because
they know that their freedom depends upon their reputation."

We sat staring at our informant for some time; but after a while he
knocked the ashes from his pipe, and arose as though going.

"If you want your traps taken to the mines at a reasonable rate, I'll do
it for you, as I start to-morrow with a load of goods for Ballarat," he
said, after a moment's hesitation.

"Is that mine productive?" we asked.

"It's as rich as any of them. You may sink a shaft and strike a vein,
and you may get nothing. It's all a lottery."

We consulted together for a few minutes, and concluded to try our
fortunes at Ballarat, and so signified to our acquaintance.

"Then shoulder your traps, and I'll show you my shanty. You can sleep
there to-night, and, let me tell you, it's a favor that I wouldn't grant
to half of my countrymen."

As we considered pride out of place in that country, we readily accepted
his offer, and in a few minutes were walking through the streets of
Melbourne with a convicted felon.

We found his hut to be built of rough boards, with but one room; and the
furniture consisted of a stove, wooden benches, a pine table, and a
curiosity in the shape of a bedstead.

That night we learned more of the customs of the Australians from our
host, who gave the name of Smith as the one which he was to be called
by, than we should have found out by a six months' residence.

Over a bottle of whiskey, which was made in Yankeeland, we spent our
first night in Australia.

"Come," said Smith, about ten o'clock, "it's time we were asleep, for we
start early in the morning, and before to-morrow night you'll not feel
as fresh as you do at present."

As he spoke he removed the whiskey, and in half an hour deep snoring was
the only sound of life in the convict's hut.




CHAPTER II.

A MORNING IN AUSTRALIA.--JOURNEY TO THE MINES OF BALLARAT.--THE
CONVICT'S STORY.--BLACK DARNLEY, THE BUSHRANGER.


"Hallo!" cried a gruff voice, accompanied by a gentle shake, which was
sufficient to arouse Fred and myself from a deep sleep, that was
probably caused by the whiskey.

The time had passed so swiftly that it did not seem an hour since we had
first stretched ourselves upon our blankets on the floor.

We rubbed our eyes and sat up, looking around the Australian's hut,
almost fancying that we were still dreaming. A spluttering tallow candle
was dimly burning, stuck in the neck of a porter bottle, and a fire was
lighted in the old broken stove, on which was hissing a spider filled
with small bits of beef and pieces of potatoes. A sauce pan was doing
duty for a coffee-pot, and the fragrant berry was agreeable to the
nostrils of hungry men. Our host, the convict Smith, after he had
aroused us, seated himself upon a three-legged stool, and was busily
employed stirring up the savory mess, and trying to make a wheezy pipe
draw; and as the tobacco which he was smoking was damp, and the meat was
liable to burn, his time was fully occupied.

"Come, rouse up." Smith said, when he saw that we were awake; and while
he spoke, he was trying to coax a coal into the pipe, but it obstinately
refused to go.

"We'll be off in an hour's time; so I'm getting a little bit of
breakfast ready before we start. Get up, and help me set the table."

We rolled up our blankets, and in a few minutes had drawn the rough
table to the middle of the room, and placed thereupon our tin plates and
quart pots.

As breakfast was not quite ready, I strolled out of doors, and found
that the first streaks of daylight were just visible, and the stars
looked white and silverish. There were no clouds to obscure the sight,
and for a short time I stood watching the gradual changes that were
taking place as the sun edged its way towards the horizon. First long
streaks of a bright golden color were extended like huge arms, and then
they changed to a subdued pink tint that defied the art of a painter to
transfer to canvas. Glorious are the views to be obtained in Australia
at sunrise, and if those of Italy excel them, it must indeed be a land
for poets and painters.

A heavy dew had fallen during the night, and refreshed the aromatic
plants that sprouted beneath my feet; and as they were crushed by my
heavy tread, they yielded up their life with a perfumed breath that
filled the air with fragrance, and made me regret that I had no other
means of locomotion beside my feet.

The heavy rumbling of carts over the dry streets was heard, and an
occasional crack of the dreadful whip and the fierce shout of the driver
proved that there were others stirring as early as ourselves.

"Breakfast is ready," shouted Fred from the door of the hut; and I
retraced my steps to the home of the convict, whom I found still sucking
his pipe and pouring out the coffee.

Our meal was soon over, for the delicacy of civilized life was not
particularly observed, and our long seclusion from the society of
females had rendered us little better than savages, as far as manners
were concerned.

"Now, then, pack up your traps, and he ready for a start. I'll be along
here with my team in half an hour, as my freight is already loaded."

"Rut we shall need provisions for the route," I said.

"Of course you will; but as I have to take some for myself, I'll get a
quantity for you also, and charge just what I pay. At Ballarat you'll
find enough to eat, and men to trust you if short of money."

Smith left to get his cattle, and while absent we washed the tin pans
and got all ready for a start. Our rifles were reloaded, and revolvers
examined, and after we had indulged in the luxury of a smoke, we heard
the voice of the convict shouting in no gentle tones to his oxen, as
they stopped in front of the hut.

"All ready?" asked Smith, coiling up his long whip, at the sight of
which the cattle fairly trembled, and pricked up their ears as though
ready for a stampede.

"All ready," we answered, bringing out our traps and lashing them on the
team.

The coffee pot and skillet were not forgotten, as we calculated if we
met any game they would both be of service. A keg of water, a bottle of
whiskey, a bag of ship bread, a large piece of pork, a few potatoes,
coffee, a bag of flour, and a bag of sugar, were the articles needed for
our long journey to the mines of Ballarat.

Smith locked the door of his hut, hung the key about his neck attached
to a thick cord, and then, uncoiling his dreadful whip, he sounded the
signal for an advance.

The cattle strained at their yokes, and the huge, clumsy, English-built
team creaked over the road, and groaned as though offering strong
remonstrance against the journey.

There were five yoke of oxen attached to the cart, and as they were in
fair condition and had not been worked for a few days, they took the
load along the level road at a brisk walk; and it was not until we had
got beyond the city's limits and left Melbourne in the distance, that
the animals fell into their accustomed steady walk.

"I suppose that there is but little use in our carrying our rifles in
our hands?" I asked of Smith, as he walked by the side of the cattle.

"I have been waiting for you to ask the question ever since we left
Melbourne," Smith replied; "I thought I wouldn't say any thing until you
got tired of carrying them. There is but little fear of our meeting with
bushrangers so near the city; and as for game, we may see some, but not
within rifle range. Put your guns in the cart, and don't touch them
until we camp to-night."

We gladly followed his advice, for the sun had risen, and began
scorching us with its rays, although, when we started, the air was quite
cool, and a jacket was not uncomfortable.

"How far is Geelong from Melbourne?" I asked, after we had relieved
ourselves of the rifles.

"Between fifty and sixty miles."

"Do we pass near the town?"

"No, we branch off near Mount Macedonskirt, the range of mountains by
that name, and which you can see in the distance; cross a barren tract
of country, where no water but sink-holes is to be found for forty
miles; strike the mines of Victoria; and then we are near the gold
fields of Ballarat."

"Where I hope we shall make a fortune and return to Melbourne in less
than six months," Fred cried.

"Amen," ejaculated Smith; but he smiled as he thought what a slight
chance there was of our prayers being answered.

We met some half a dozen teams on their way back to Melbourne from the
mines, and we surveyed the drivers as we would rare animals, for they
were covered with a thick coating of white dust that had filled their
hair and whiskers, and looked as though a bushel of corn meal had been
scattered over their heads.

Each cart contained two or more invalids, who appeared, by their
dejected air, to have taken farewell of the world, and didn't think it
worth while attempting to live any longer; and when a question was asked
them, it was with great reluctance that they returned an answer, and if
they did speak, it was in tones so faint that with difficulty they could
be understood.

Three times did the convict stop his cart to supply some little luxury
to the invalids; and while he declined payment for his refreshments, it
did not prevent him from requesting the sick men to say, when they
reached Melbourne, that they had been befriended by himself. We were
struck by this peculiarity, and as soon as the team's moved on, we
resolved to inquire the reason.

"Why are you so particular that those men should mention your name for
the charities that you perform?" asked Fred.

Smith smiled, but it was of the melancholy sort of mirth, and did not
come from his heart. He hesitated, as though considering whether he
should make a full expression or reserve his confidence. At length he
said,--

"I told you that I was sentenced to transportation for ten years. Five
of them have passed, and I am at liberty to trade on my own account, yet
liable at any moment to be remanded back to my old station, and work
worse than a slave on the docks, or at any menial employment. I have so
far managed very well. I have saved money, and own shares in the Royal
Bank of Melbourne, besides two good houses that are paying me a large
percentage. The property is mine, and government cannot touch a penny of
it; yet I would willingly give all that I possess to be at liberty to
call myself a free man, and to know that I am no longer watched by those
in power. When I received my sentence I determined upon the course I
would adopt. I never murmured at my work, no matter how disagreeable it
was--I was respectful and obedient, and after a year's hardship I was
favorably reported at head quarters, and was then allowed to live with a
man who kept cattle, and had made a fortune as a drover. I served him
faithfully for two years, and upon his report I was allowed a ticket of
leave, and commenced business for myself. I am comparatively a free man;
but if any unfavorable report should be heard concerning me, farewell to
my present liberty. For five long years I should be used like a brute,
and before my term expired I should be in a felon's grave; for a man
must possess a constitution of iron to endure the tasks that are
inflicted upon a convict remanded back to the tender mercies of
overseers whose hearts are harder than the ball and chain which many of
their prisoners wear."

"And you really think that the relief you afford to those returned
miners will be heard of, and that it will mitigate your sentence?"

"Certainly. The poor fellows will go to the hospital, and while there I
shall be held in grateful remembrance. The physician will hear of my
name, and one of these days I hope to receive a full pardon. But whether
I do or not, I shall be conscious that I have done my duty, and in some
measure atoned for the crime that I committed."

Smith cracked his long whip to let the oxen know that he was not asleep,
and the cattle, rousing from their snail pace at the sound of the
scourge, accelerated their steps, and strained at their yokes as though
they would tear them from their necks.

We remained silent while getting over a mile of the dusty road; but, as
the oxen fell into their slow pace again, we renewed the conversation.

"You think that the system of letting convicts have leave tickets is a
good one, then?" we asked.

"In some cases I think that it works well; but all men are not alike,
and while some play the hypocrite and profess good conduct, others are
never allowed their liberty because they brood over their past life so
much that they never smile. They are marked as sullen and discontented,
and are worked until their spirits are broken, and they no longer hope
for freedom. The energy and enterprise of liberated felons have
increased the trade of Australia until she is no longer a burden to the
mother country, and I hope, before I die, to see this island conducted
as an independent government. It would be better for England, and I need
not tell you how much better it would be for us."

"Are the bushrangers, that we hear so much about, really dangerous
fellows to meet?" we asked.

"They are the very scum of the great cities of England--desperate men
who are usually sentenced for life, and therefore have no hope of mercy;
and many of them desire none. As soon as they can effect an escape they
do so, and fleeing to the wilds of the island, either join a band of
ruffians like themselves, or else, fearful of trusting to men that are
as treacherous as wolves, will roam without companions for many days,
living upon sheep, which are easily obtained from herds without the
knowledge of the shepherds, and very often with their consent, to be at
last betrayed and shot by the very man who was trusted most. There are
hundreds of them upon the very route that we must take, and every day
there are murders and robberies committed, and all the vigilance of the
guard, who escort gold dust from the mines to Melbourne, is necessary to
insure its protection.

"Teams like our own, however, are most attended to, and if we should
wake up in the night, and by the light of the camp fire see half a dozen
ferocious-looking fellows standing over us, it would be better to let
them take what they want, and go their way in peace, than to trust to an
appeal to arms or oppose them. Once rouse them to anger, and our lives
would not be worth a sixpence; for they think no more of shedding the
blood of a man than they would that of a sheep."

"I think it would be better to give them a trial than be robbed,
especially when we possess weapons like these," cried Fred, touching his
revolver, which he carried in a belt around his waist.

Smith looked at my companion for a moment in silence, as though trying
to satisfy himself whether Fred was in earnest, or only talking because
danger was remote.

"I've carried many men to the mines," he said at length, "and been
robbed some half a dozen times; but I always found that while my
passengers were firm for resistance at the beginning of the journey, yet
at night a different opinion was formed, and the boldest has consented
to give up a shirt or pair of boots without a murmur."

Fred laughed good naturedly, and spoke jestingly in reply.

"That was because you never freighted Americans. Englishmen may consent
to have their boots pulled off, but Yankees would be apt to
remonstrate."

"I hope that we shall have no occasion to test your courage," said
Smith; "but if we meet Black Darnley, I shall not blame you for keeping
quiet."

"And who is Black Darnley?" we asked.

"An escaped convict, who has been at large for three years; and, in
spite of the two hundred pounds reward, no one has ventured to attempt
his capture. He swears that he will never be taken alive, and he will
keep his word. He has no fear of two or even three ordinary men, for he
possesses the strength of a Hercules and the desperation of a wounded
tiger. Of all the bushrangers on the island, he is the worst; and yet he
always treats me well, and lets me pass without levying toll, for he and
I are old acquaintances, and often have a social chat together about
times gone by."

"Tell us where you first met him," we said, crowding nearer the convict
to hear his story.

"Wait until we halt for a rest and feed the cattle. Half a mile from
here is a small stream of water, and under the shade of some trees near
at hand, we'll boil our coffee, and then I'll tell you about my first
meeting with Black Darnley."

As it was about noon, and we had travelled near twelve miles, the
proposed halt was any thing but disagreeable. Besides, the sun was
nearly overhead, burning and scorching us with its intense rays, and
causing the oxen to protrude their tongues and drag their weary feet
along as though they hardly possessed life enough to reach the water
spoken of.

A sharp crack of Smith's whip and the cattle started into life again;
and as he continued to flourish the dreaded lash over their heads, they
kept up their speed until we reached the stream, which slowly trickled
through dry plains, with scorched grass and withered shrubs; but, near
the banks of the river, which during the rainy season became a mighty
torrent, green trees and rank grass afforded an agreeable shade from the
burning sun.

The cattle were unyoked, and allowed to wander where they pleased, Smith
being confident of finding them near the water when he got ready to
start.

"Black Darnley, as he is called, owing to his swarthy complexion," began
Smith, after a fire was made, and water for the coffee started to
boiling, "was transported in the same ship as myself; but our conduct
during the passage to Australia was widely different, he was rebellious,
and I docile. He was half the time wearing irons, and when free from
fetters endeavoring to create a mutiny. I never meditated any such
project, and threatened one time to disclose his plans if he did not
give them up.

"He swore vengeance against me, and after that I always avoided him. Six
different times during the passage he was severely flogged, and when
that was found to have no effect, he was starved into a respectful
demeanor; but as soon as he had recruited his exhausted strength, he
would again commence his old career of insolence, and once more be
punished. He is a strong man, and stands nearly six feet six, with
shoulders broad and arms covered with muscle, while not a pound of
surplus flesh is on his body. Before he committed the crime for which he
was transported, he was a prize-fighter; but having lost a battle, he
turned his attention to house-breaking, as an agreeable diversion from
his former course of life. He was betrayed by a comrade, and sentenced
for fourteen years. He will never live to see his sentence expire; for,
cunning as he is, his day of capture will not long be delayed.

"Upon our arrival at Sydney, he was branded with a black mark against
his name, and the most laborious work was his daily task, besides the
privilege of dragging a chain and ball after him. He managed to secrete
a knife about his person one day, and when the guard the next morning
ordered him to perform some heavy work, he struck the man to the heart
with his weapon, broke his chain, and fled.

"A horse standing near the dock where he was employed, he mounted, and
escaping the shower of balls that flew after him, and defying all
opposition, he reached the wilds of Australia.

"It was a bold strike for liberty, and only one time in a thousand could
it be achieved.

"Before he effected his escape I had been taken into the service of a
man who owned large herds of sheep, and on one of his immense tracts of
land was I stationed to look after a flock of nearly ten thousand. I in
fact became a stockman, and lived a solitary life, with no one to speak
to unless it was to those who brought me a few necessary articles once a
month, and then departed to supply other stations.

"I was not discontented with my lot, and yet at times I longed to see a
human face and hear a voice speak in my native tongue. I used to receive
visits occasionally from the miserable natives, who hang around a sheep
station; but as I never encouraged their intrusions, and watched their
doings with a sharp eye, they generally avoided me. Twice they tried to
murder me, but I was wary and escaped.

"The hut in which I lived was built of logs, plastered on the outside
with clay to keep out the rain, and contained one room, with a
fireplace, a bed made of sheep skins, a table and two stools. The door
was a stout one, made expressly to resist a siege in case the natives
grew vicious, and was secured on the inside by a large bar.

"I have been thus particular in my description of my habitation, because
one night, when the rain was pouring down in torrents, and the wind beat
against the hut as though it would take it from its foundation, I was
startled by hearing a loud knock at the door.

"I had been sitting before the fire for a long time, trying to picture
out my future life, for my past was already too well known, when the
summons disturbed me. I started to my feet, and sought the door, where
my dog was already snuffing and uttering angry growls, as though
suspicious that the person on the outside was not exactly such a guest
as his master would wish for in that lonely habitation. While I was
uncertain what to do, another knock, louder than the first, startled the
dog into a howl; but I hushed his noise, and taking down my gun, that
hung over my bed, I asked what was wanted.

"'In the name of God give me shelter,' cried a voice that I thought I
recognized, although I could not call to mind where I had heard it.

"'Who are you?' I asked.

"'A stranger who has been to various stations for the purpose of buying
cattle, and has lost his way. Give me shelter for the night, and God
will reward you.'

"The latter part of the solicitation sounded as though uttered in a
hypocritical tone, and I was undecided whether to comply with the
request, or send him to the next station, about ten miles distant. A
fresh gust of wind influenced me; I slipped off the bar and opened the
door; but next moment I would have given all the sheep under my charge
to have had my guest where he was five minutes previous, with the oak
bar across the door; for by the flickering fire that blazed upon the
hearth I saw that my visitor was Black Darnley.

"He was greatly altered since I had seen him last. His clothes hung in
tatters about his body, while his large feet were shoeless and bleeding
profusely: but the fire of his black eyes was unquenched, and the bony
form, still upright in spite of the hard labor to which he had been
subjected, gave assurance, to my dismay, that he still possessed his
giant strength.

"The instant he entered the hut he closely scrutinized my face, and then
cast hurried glances around the room to see if I were alone. Satisfied
that I was, he strode to the fire, and seated himself near its cheerful
blaze.

"'I have seen your face somewhere,' he said, looking at me keenly.

"'I should think you would remember it,' I replied, 'for we were both
passengers in the same ship.'

"He started up with a fearful oath, and would have rushed upon me; but I
brought my gun to my shoulder, and kept him at bay.

"'I remember you now,' he said, and seemed inclined to dash at me in
spite of the weapon which I held in my hand. 'You are the one that
threatened to betray me when I wished to take the ship. I swore to have
your life for your cowardice; but I retract the oath, and now let us be
friends. Give me shelter, and something to eat, and to-morrow I will
leave you for a distant station.'

"'You are deceiving me,' I said, still retaining my hold of the gun, and
looking at him suspiciously.

"'No, by ----, I'm not,' Darnley cried, with a look of sincerity: 'here,
let me prove it. Ten days ago I murdered one of the guards, and fought
my way to this part of the country in hopes of joining a gang of
bushrangers. Since that time I have been pursued and hunted like a wild
beast; but they haven't captured Black Darnley yet.'

"He laughed triumphantly as he spoke, and thought of the long chase that
he had given the police of Sydney.

"'You are a strong man, much stronger than myself, and if I am upon an
equal footing with you, could crush me as easily as an eggshell.'

"I still retained my hold of the gun, but I no longer covered his huge
body with its barrel.

"'Look at me!' he said, baring his arms, which were shrunken, and
holding them up for my inspection. 'For three days I've not tasted food,
or closed my eyes in sleep. I've run and skulked from tree to tree
during that time, and heard the tramping of horses as the policemen
strove to follow my trail. I am weak, exhausted, and a child could
overcome me now.'

"'But after your strength is recruited, you may act the part of a
serpent, and sting the one that warmed you into life,' I answered, half
resolved to trust him.

"'I don't blame you for your suspicions,' he cried, moodily, seating
himself by the fire again, and holding his hands towards the blaze to
dry his ragged shirt. 'I am defenceless, and you hold a loaded gun.
Discharge its contents into my body, and then go and obtain a full
pardon from government for the murder of Black Darnley.'

"He bowed his head and sat scowling at the fire, as though he cared not
what became of him, and was rather anxious, than otherwise, that I
should end his career of crime.

"'I'll trust you,' I said, replacing my gun over the bed and taking a
seat beside him, and I did so with perfect confidence.

"'Your clothes are wet and ragged,' I remarked, after a few moments'
silence, during which he did not remove his eyes from the fire.

"'A starving man cares but little about his dress,' he answered,
glancing over his ragged suit, and stooping to wipe the gravel from his
bloody feet.

"'You shall have all that you want to eat,' I answered; and I hastily
put a kettle of water upon the fire to make him a cup of tea, and then
laid upon the table nearly the whole carcass of a lamb which I had
roasted that day. He still sat by the fire and gazed at the flames as
though he read his past life amid the coals that glowed upon the
hearth, and was trying to read the future. I went to my small stock of
clothing and took out a flannel shirt and pair of trousers, much the
worse for wear, but still warm and dry.

"'Strip off your wet garments," I said, 'and accept of these.'

"He started, and looked me full in the face, as though reading my
thoughts.

"'I have wronged you,' he cried, while doing as I directed. 'I thought
when I proposed to take the ship, that you were a coward, because you
refused to join me. You are a braver man than myself.'

"'It was because I knew that certain death not only awaited you and I,
but half of those who were not aware of the plot. The innocent and
guilty would have been massacred without mercy by our taskmasters.'

"'But we could have slain half a dozen of them before dying ourselves,'
he exclaimed, with a touch of his old fierceness, and a wave of his long
arms, as though, even then, weak as he was, he would like to strangle
his oppressors. I made no reply, but assisted him to dress; and after he
had squeezed his body into my clothes, which were two sizes too small
for him, the water on the fire boiled, and I made a strong cup of tea,
and then bade him eat to repletion. He needed no second invitation, but
fell to work like a wild animal, and craunched bones and flesh between
his strong teeth in such a ravenous manner that I had expectations of
his choking himself; and I don't know that I should have been sorry if
he had. The lamb rapidly disappeared, but not until every bone was
picked, and half-eaten, did he evince that he was satisfied, and again
drew towards the fire, into which he continued to gaze until he began to
nod with weariness.

"'You are sleepy,' I said. 'Occupy my bed to-night, and I'll sit by the
fire.'

"'The floor will do for me. Give me a sheep-skin and let me stretch
myself before the fire.'

"Finding that he was resolved not to deprive me of the bed, I spread
half a dozen skins upon the hearth, and giving him a pipe well filled
with tobacco, retired to my couch, and lay watching his huge form by the
faint flicker of the fire, which had begun to grow dim.

"In a few minutes Darnley's head, which he had supported upon his hand,
sank upon his pillow; 'the pipe dropped from his mouth, and by his heavy
breathing I knew that he slept. Wicked thoughts then crowded upon my
mind. Within my reach was a gun, well charged with slugs, and there,
lying upon the hearth, was an escaped convict, whose life was forfeited
by the laws of Australia, and pardon and official patronage granted to
any man that shed his blood. Nay, more, I had the moans of purchasing my
freedom by exhibiting proofs that I had taken his life, and I thought of
the many years that must elapse before my term would expire.

"I reached towards the gun, and considered that I should but do my duty
in slaying him as he lay; but other thoughts succeeded, and I now thank
God that my hands are not stained with the blood of a man who trusted to
my goodness of heart. I fell asleep during my meditations, and when I
awoke, Darnley was still sleeping in front of the cold fireplace.

"I moved about the room as gently as possible, and tried to avoid
awakening him; but while I was endeavoring to kindle a fire, he suddenly
started up, his countenance inflamed with passion, and his deep-set eyes
glaring like those of a tiger.

"'I'll never be taken alive,' he shouted, throwing his huge form upon
mine, and crushing me to the ground with his weight, while his hand
sought my throat which was compressed in his grasp until my eyes started
nearly from their sockets.

"In his half-awakened madness I should have been strangled, had it not
been for my dog, that flew at his leg, and inflicted a savage bite that
caused Darnley to relinquish his hold and turn upon the brute; but by
the time that he had staggered to his feet, he awakened to his
situation, and became calm and penitent, and asked my pardon a dozen
times for his mistake. I forgave him, but resolved to keep at a
respectful distance the next time he slept.

"I gave him a hearty breakfast, and when he got ready to leave placed a
pair of sheep-skin shoes upon his feet; but all my arguments did not
induce him to accept of the garments that belonged to me, as he feared
that in case he was taken they would be traced and involve me in
trouble. It was considerate in him certainly, but from that day to this
he has baffled all attempts at capture; but how much longer he will be
permitted to go at large is only known to God."

"And did he ever pay you another visit at the hut?" I asked, as Smith
paused.

"Quite frequently; but he always came alone, and would not allow one of
the gang whom he gathered about him to molest my flocks. I saw him on my
last trip to the mines, and he tried to bribe me to purchase him a pair
of revolvers; but I refused, and he left me without a word of reproach."

It was nearly four o'clock when Smith finished his account of the
bushranger; and as the heat was not so oppressive as at noon, we decided
to travel eight or ten miles farther that evening, before we camped for
the night.

The oxen were found, driven towards the cart, and yoked; and, with many
a sharp crack of the stockman's whip, we crossed the stream, and once
more pursued our way towards Ballarat.




CHAPTER III.

TRAVELLING IN AUSTRALIA.--AN ADVENTURE WITH SNAKES.--CARRYING THE MAILS.


During the rainy season in Australia, the roads leading to the mines are
almost impassable, as the soil is light and the water easily penetrates
to a great depth. Teams, with half a dozen yoke of cattle, can scarcely
draw a heavy cart, as the brutes sink to their knees in mud at every
step, and the wheels of the vehicle are buried to the axletree most of
the time. Five or ten miles per day is as great a distance as animals
can travel; and even at that rate it is quite common for the oxen to
give out, and be left by the roadside, a prey for dogs and other wild
animals.

The natives of the island,--for the race bears no resemblance to that
class of people to whom we are wont to ascribe an elastic step, a noble
bearing, and undaunted courage--have been known to follow a team for
twenty-four hours, expressly for the purpose of picking the bones of an
ox which they imagined would soon give out; and when the poor brute is
left to die, they crowd upon him like vultures, and hack off huge strips
of quivering fresh before his breath has departed.

In the summer season, when no rain falls to lay the dust or irrigate the
earth, the streams, which, during the winter, are like mountain
torrents, and sweep every thing opposed to them towards the ocean,
become puny little rivulets, and as the summer advances, disappear
altogether from sight, and nothing but deep gulches mark the spot where
but a few months before a large body of water flowed.

Then the roads become hard and dry, and the light earth, pulverized by
the numerous wheels which are continually passing over it, is taken up
by the hot winds and whirled along the vast, plains, obscuring the sight
as effectually as though there was a deep eclipse. The eyes and nostrils
of the traveller become irritated by the fine particles, and the dust is
sifted into his ears and mouth. The latter gets coated with dust, and
all moisture is denied the palate. Vainly the tongue is rolled from side
to side to check the burning thirst, until at last the member gets so
swollen that it becomes incapable of motion, and then, unless relief is
soon afforded, death ensues. Water, slimy, stagnant water, is drank with
as much eagerness as a glass of iced Cochituate in summer.

The various sink holes with which the prairies abound are drained of
their contents, and if the traveller is unacquainted with a miner's
life, he does not wait until the liquid is strained and boiled, and thus
relieved of many of its bad properties, but swallows a large quantity of
the nauseous filth, and for many days after repents of his folly. He
that drinks at a sink hole, and suffers long and repeated attacks of
fever and ague, or dysentery, in consequence, learns to avoid it in
future.

As Fred and myself were old miners, and had tramped over a large portion
of California, and knew the dangers of such indulgence, we were not
likely to be caught; although we had a good guide with us in the person
of the convict, who really appeared to take an interest in our welfare,
and gave us much friendly advice.

The sun did not set for three hours after we started, on the afternoon
that we crossed the gulch; and while we found the heat growing less
oppressive, we certainly did not feel much refreshed by its
disappearance, as our legs, unaccustomed for many days to long walks,
began to grow stiff, while blisters formed upon our feet and galled us
extremely.

We would have given a small sum to have been enabled to halt for the
night; but pride prevented us from asking Smith to do so. We were
fearful that he would laugh at us, and we had our reputation as
Americans at heart too much to let him think that we were failing even
on the first day from Melbourne. But as mile after mile of ground was
got over, we could keep silent no longer.

"How much farther do you intend going before camping for the night?" I
asked of the convict in a careless sort of way, although I could hardly
prevent limping.

"Feel tired?" he inquired, with a grin.

"O, no," I answered, with an indifferent air.

"Well, as you are not tired, and night is the best time to travel,
suppose we keep on until daylight?"

"I'll be ---- if I do," broke in Fred. "I've got a great blister now, on
my great toe, bigger than a silver dollar, and my boot seems inclined to
raise others. I'll tell you what it is, Smith, for the last two months
we've been on shipboard, and not walked five miles during that time, and
if you think we can compete with you as a pedestrian, you are mistaken."

Fred jerked out his words as though each step he took cost him an
immense amount of pain, and I've no doubt it did. The convict laughed
silently, and relieved his feelings by cracking his long whip, bringing
the end of the lash to bear with great precision upon the flanks of the
leading yoke of cattle, which testified their appreciation of his
attention by kicking at the heads of those following; and as such
playful amusement was calculated to inspire vitality in the animals,
they started off with renewed speed, and Fred and myself, with many
groans, limped after.

"I can't stand this," cried my companion, after a few minutes' brisk
walk. "My feet are raw, and getting worse every moment. I'll try an
experiment."

He sat down in the middle of the road, and while the team rolled on,
jerked off his boots and stockings, and declared, as we hastened to
overtake Smith, that he felt he could walk all night, and that hereafter
he would go barefooted.

"Well," cried Smith, as we reached the team, "how do you feel now?"

"Fresh as a daisy," returned Fred, clapping his boots together as though
they were a pair of cymbals.

"What have you got in your hands?" asked Smith; for, it being already
dark, it was hard to distinguish objects at a short distance.

"My boots," cried Fred, triumphantly.

"Are you barefooted?" asked the convict in surprise.

"Yes."

"Then if you value your life, put on your boots again, and keep them on
as long as you are in the mines. You are liable at any moment to step
upon a poisonous snake; and if bitten, no power on earth can save you.
The natives pretend to cure bites, but I have some doubts on the
subject."

Smith spoke seriously, and as there might be much truth in what he said,
Fred willingly complied, although he groaned with pain as he drew on his
boots, and once more hobbled along beside the team.

"About three months ago, I was freighting a party up to the mines," said
Smith, "and a youngster became foot-sore. He took off his boots,
although I told him there was danger of treading upon snakes in the
dark. He laughed at me; but before his mirth had ceased, he uttered a
yell, and sprang wildly towards the team, which I had suffered to get a
little in advance.

"When he started, I suspected the cause, and groping carefully about in
the dust with my whip, soon discovered a small snake, not larger in
circumference than my lash, but which I readily recognized as one of the
most poisonous in the country. The natives call them _capi-ni-els_, or
what signifies little devils. As the impudent scamp was hissing and
darting out his tongue at me, I gave him a blow on the head, ground him
into powder with the heel of my boot, and then passed on to overtake the
team.

"It had got some distance from me; but before I reached it, my young
passenger could no longer walk, and by the time I had checked the oxen,
he had swollen to twice his usual size, and was lying panting by the
side of the road, incapable of moving or speaking. I got a large
quantity of brandy down his throat; but it had no effect, and in twenty
minutes' time he was a dead man. We buried him where he fell, and I'll
show you his grave when we reach it."

"I for one shall take good care to keep my boots on," I replied, after
the convict had finished his story.

"Why do they frequent a road in preference to other parts?" asked Fred,
who seemed to have almost forgotten his lameness, while listening to
Smith's yarn.

"Because the light dust over which we are passing retains the heat of
the sun longer than the soil by the road. Snakes are fond of dragging
their forms over it, as it is soft, and keeps them warm during the
night. I have known teams to be stopped, and obliged to seek a route on
the prairie, simply because a large number of snakes were not disposed
to yield the right of way.

"The first load that I ever carried to the mines, and when I was anxious
to make as much money as possible in a very short space of time, I was
stopped in this same way. I was jogging along one night, all alone, and
urging my oxen to their utmost speed, when all at once the leaders shied
out from the road, and then stopped. I cracked my whip, and roared at
them frantically, but it was of no use.

"Forward they would not budge, and at last they fairly turned, and were
making very good time towards Melbourne; but I soon stopped that game,
and once more got them headed the way I wanted them to go. When they
arrived at the spot at which they had balked a few minutes before, they
went through with the same antics, and then I thought it best to see
what was the matter. Walking forward, I was saluted with a hissing
sound, that greatly resembled the noise which an enraged gander emits
when a stranger trespasses upon his brood.

"I paused for a moment, and tried to discover, through the darkness,
what occasioned the noise, but could not, although I thought I saw
something moving not far from me. I retreated, quieted my cattle, took
my lantern and gun, and walked back to the spot. By the light of the
candle I saw about half a bushel of snakes, coiled up in a heap, and all
alive with rage at being disturbed. I hardly knew what to do. There they
were, and gave no indications of leaving the road; and I no longer
wondered at the reluctance of the oxen in refusing to pass over them.
Had they done so, it is very probable I should have lost every one of
the animals, for they could not have escaped being bitten; and then they
would have died in a few hours, and I should have suffered a great
pecuniary loss.

"I had a quantity of fine shot in my wagon-box, which I used for small
birds. I drew the charge I had in the gun, and instead of a bullet, put
in about a handful of the shot, and then setting my lantern as near the
mass of snakes as I dared venture, I retreated a few paces, and taking
deliberate aim, fired at them.

"The charge made dreadful havoc, and dozens of them were killed and cast
out of the heap by those unharmed; but instead of causing them to escape
to the prairie, they only seemed more determined to dispute the right of
way, and hissed and ran out their thin, forked tongues as though defying
me to do my worst. Their eyes sparkled like precious stones, and by the
light of the lantern I could see them change, as they moved their
position to face me, and assume a hundred different hues. It was a
terrible and fascinating sight, and for a few minutes I stood and
watched them twist and writhe themselves into a thousand different
shapes. Seeing that I should have to make a regular business at
slaughtering them, I went to work after a while, and poured volley after
volley into the mass, until not more than half a dozen escaped alive.

"Even after they were dead I could not get my cattle along the road
until I had first taken a shovel and thrown the bodies a considerable
distance from the spot. I never saw such a large collection of serpents
before, and I have often wondered why they were gathered in such a
mass."

"Have you ever arrived at any conclusion?" I asked.

"I have thought that they expected an attack from some enemy of the
serpent tribe, and so formed themselves into that shape for resistance."

While Smith was speaking, we heard a team behind us that appeared to be
tearing along at a rapid rate; and even before we could discover its
outlines, we distinguished the cracking of a whip as though the driver
was anxious to see how many times he could snap it in a minute.

"I hear you," muttered Smith, driving his oxen to one side of the road,
and stopping them. "There is no occasion for you to make so much noise
to let people know that you are coming."

Even while Smith was grumbling, a light-bodied cart, with lamps on each
side, drawn by a span of horses, and driven by a man who wore a sort of
uniform, whizzed past us, and by the side of the team rode two soldiers,
dressed in the livery of England. They were out of sight in a moment,
but they threw a jest at us as they passed, and before Smith could
reply, the soldiers were lost to view.

"A hard time you have of it," cried Smith, as he started his team again.

"Who are they?" we asked.

"That is a government team, and carries the mail between Melbourne and
Ballarat. Day and night they are upon the move, and only stop long
enough to change horses and escort. To-morrow at this time the miners
will be in possession of their letters and papers, and I need not tell
you how anxiously news is looked for from home."

"But are we to keep on day and night until we reach Ballarat?" asked
Fred.

"No," replied Smith, touching up his cattle. "Do you see yonder light
far ahead?" he cried, pointing with his whip.

"Yes."

"Well, at that light we'll prepare a cup of coffee, and sleep until
morning. Cheer up; it's only a mile distant, and there is where you will
get your first view of the natives of Australia."




CHAPTER IV.

EATING BROILED KANGAROO MEAT.--AUSTRALIAN SPEARS AND AMERICAN RIFLES.


The natives of Australia are remarkable for the slight quantity of
clothing which they wear, and the thinness of their limbs. Their dress
consists of a dirty piece of cloth, or skin of kangaroo, tied about
their waists, leaving the upper and lower parts of their bodies naked.
Their color is a dingy black, although what exact shade they would
represent were they washed quite clean is a matter of conjecture. A more
filthy race of beings I never saw; and if we adopt the hypothetical
theory of eminent medical gentlemen, that when the pores of the skin are
closed, and perspiration ceases to flow, the patient dies, then the
natives in Australia should, according to that reasoning, have all been
under ground years ago; for I am confident that during my residence on
the island, I never saw one guilty of ablution, or manifest the
slightest anxiety to mingle a little water with their dirt.

With grease upon their faces, filling their long black hair, shining
upon their hands, and smeared upon their bodies, they are as disgusting
a race as can be found upon the globe; and after a brief survey of their
huts and habits, men of a cleanly nature never desire to see them more.
Their limbs bear about as great a proportion to their bodies as the stem
of a pipe to the bowl; and to see them walking, is apt to suggest an
idea that their legs were never intended to carry their frames. The
latter part of their bodies presents a protuberance, even in the
youngsters, caused by their inordinate gluttonous nature, which prompts
them, when fortunate enough to have killed game, to gorge themselves to
repletion, as though they never expected to eat again, and were
determined to fill their stomachs even if they burst.

We soon saw a party of natives of this description seated around a fire,
black with dirt, and gorged with the flesh of a kangaroo. The stockman,
Smith, was busy with his team, and had declined our assistance, as he
saw that we were tired and nearly exhausted with travel. Telling us to
go to the fire and see how we liked the looks of the natives, we
followed his advice, and walked towards them. There were ten or twelve
of them huddled together in a circle, squatted upon their haunches, each
with a piece of raw flesh lying upon the ground, while other junks were
broiling on the coals, to be transferred from thence to the fingers of
those claiming them.

They manifested no surprise or curiosity when Fred and myself halted
within a few feet of them, and regarded their feeding operations with
considerable disgust. Their minds appeared to be too much occupied to
pay the least attention to outward objects, and as they poked their
burning food among the ashes, and licked their fingers, and grunted with
satisfaction, they certainly did not seem better than so many swine. At
least they were not half so clean.

"Well, of all the eating I ever saw, this is the worst," cried Fred,
after a few moments' contemplation.

"Even the Indians of California would be ashamed to look so dirty," I
remarked.

"Hullo," cried Smith, advancing with the sauce pan filled with water,
which he had obtained somewhere in the vicinity, although we could not
in the dark see any evidence of a stream. "Hullo," he cried; "what is
the matter? Why don't you sit down and join the gentlemen? Well, old
Bulger, how are you getting along?" addressing a native that looked
older than the others, and consequently more dirty.

The brute grunted, and paid no farther attention to the address; but
Smith was not to be bluffed that way.

"Let me have a chance at your fire," he said, holding the sauce pan
towards him; but the native gave no attention except to his burning
meat, which he turned over in the ashes with a stick, and apparently had
a great desire to eat raw.

"I know of a way to start him," muttered Smith. "Stand by and watch the
fun," he continued, addressing Fred and myself.

He canted the sauce pan a little one side, and allowed the water to run
over the rim, and strike upon the native's naked shoulder. The fellow
uttered a howl as though seared with a hot iron, and scrabbling away
from the fire, left the convict free access.

"There is nothing like water to start them," cried Smith, laughing, as
he put his dish upon the coals, while those who still kept their places
watched his motions with their little glittering eyes, as though fearful
they should also be subjected to a bath.

The native whom the convict called "Bulger" lingered around the fire for
a short time, as though he had not entirely relinquished all hope of
again joining the circle; but when he found that Smith showed no
indication of yielding his place, he grunted his displeasure, got one of
his companions to rake from the ashes his lump of flesh, and placing the
burning mass upon leaves, walked towards some rude huts which were built
of branches of trees and leaves of the _giro_.

"Good night, Bulgy," shouted Smith, as this latter toddled off; but the
native paid no attention, and soon disappeared within the pile of
leaves.

"You have met these poor devils before--haven't you?" I inquired of the
convict.

"For the last three months they have been camped on this spot, and as
water is convenient here, I generally manage to reach them in the course
of the night. Besides, I make them useful in case my cattle stray away;
and for a piece of tobacco not larger than my thumb they are willing to
run all day."

"Bah," grunted half a dozen voices in chorus, apparently roused to
animation by some word that Smith had spoken.

They extended their small hands, not larger than the paws of an
orang-outang, and greatly resembling them in formation and looks.

"What do they want?" Fred asked.

"They heard me mention tobacco, and now they are begging for some. They
love the needful as well as I do;" and Smith proceeded to fill his pipe,
and then coolly replaced the tobacco in his pocket, much to the
disappointment of the natives, who had followed his motions with anxious
eyes.

"Give them a piece," I said, quick to trace disappointment in their
expressionless faces.

"Not I," returned Smith. "If I want them to-morrow to run after my
cattle, I shall have to give them more, for they would not recollect
that I had supplied them to-night without compensation."

"Then I'll stand treat," cried Fred, handing a small piece of the
needful to the nearest native, who grunted, but whether as an expression
of thanks, or disappointment that it was not larger, is unknown.

The glittering eyes of the gorged natives were instantly fastened upon
the fortunate possessor of the tobacco, greatly to the injury of their
broiling meat. But the native upon whom the present was bestowed showed
no signs of making a dividend. He carefully concealed the tobacco in a
small pouch at his girdle, and after sitting a few minutes in silence,
staggered to his feet, and waddled off.

"'It is get all you can and keep what you get,' with them," said Smith,
as he watched the native enter his hut.

The water in the sauce pan at this moment gave indications of boiling,
and as we all felt hungry, we determined to have supper before
stretching our forms under the shelter of the cart. Our stock of coffee
was produced, the pork and bread unpacked, and while the convict busied
himself frying slices of the former, we soaked cakes of the latter in a
pan of water, and sliced a few potatoes to add a relish to our meal.

At length our supper was cooked; when seated within the light of the
blazing fire, we prepared to enjoy ourselves and perhaps emulate the
natives in their feasts.

"How do you like your coffee?" asked Smith, as I raised my tin pot to my
mouth.

Before I could reply, my attention was directed to a blaze that suddenly
enveloped one of the huts, and which threatened to extend to the others.
As the materials of which it was built were light and dry, but few
minutes' time would be necessary to consume it; so I started up,
intending to assist in extinguishing the flames.

"Let it burn," exclaimed Smith, leisurely sipping his coffee, and
watching the progress of the fire; and even the natives kept their
places, and appeared unmoved at the sight.

"There may be somebody in the hut," cried Fred, rising.

"Then let them get out the best way they can," answered Smith. "If these
dirty scamps can't assist a comrade, I don't see why we should bother
our heads."

We waited to hear no more, but rushed towards the flames; and our steps
were quickened by hearing what we thought was the cry of a child.

We seized the dry branches, of which the hut was built, and tore them
from their fastenings, scattering the leaves that formed the roof, and,
regardless of the heat, continued to work; the flames were too powerful
for us, and we were obliged to beat a retreat.

We were about to return to our supper, when we heard a shrill cry issue
from the hut--not aloud, prolonged sound, such as a man would utter when
in agony, but a sharp, short yell, like the wail of an infant.

"Smith," I shouted, turning to the convict, who was still eating his
supper, "there is a child burning to death."

"The deuce!" he cried, springing to his feet, and rushing quickly in the
direction of the fire. "Let us save the young 'un at any rate."

Upon the ground in front of the hut were half a dozen long,
sharp-pointed spears, belonging to the natives, and almost their only
weapons for defence or attack. We seized those, and charging on the fire
as though it was an enemy, we poked away branch after branch, until we
had made an entrance sufficiently large to admit one of us, when Smith,
reckless of the heat, rushed forward and entered the hut.

We waited anxiously for his reappearance, and when he did emerge from
the smoke and flames, instead of carrying a child in his arms, he was
dragging the inanimate form of the native whom Fred had made happy with
a present of tobacco a short time before.

The native was apparently insensible; but as Smith dragged him along the
ground, and let his body drop when beyond reach of the fire, he uttered
a groan, as though half disposed to remonstrate against being saved.

"Well, of all the lazy scamps that I ever saw, he is the worst," cried
Smith, wiping his brow with his hand, and looking towards us for a
confirmation of his words.

"At least you have the gratification of knowing that you have saved his
life," cried Fred, almost inclined to laugh at the rueful look of the
convict.

"His life?" repeated Smith; "why, if I had let him roast he would have
been much more gratified than he will be when he awakes. He is going
through with a fit of digestion now, and is as torpid as a toad in
winter. Ah, you brute, eat until you can't move another time, will you?"

The convict hit the native a kick with his foot, and then went to finish
his supper, grumbling as he did so at being disturbed.

The natives, who had retained their positions around the fire in spite
of the burning hut, and danger of their comrade, uttered a low grunt
when they saw Smith drag the brute from the flames; but whether that
expression was intended for satisfaction or regret, I was too little
acquainted with the customs of the tribe to tell. They took no further
notice of either their torpid companion or our party, until suddenly an
idea appeared to enter the head of one, smarter looking than his
fellows. He got with difficulty upon his feet, leaving his burning meat
upon the coals, and waddling towards the insensible native, knelt beside
him.

"Look!" cried Fred, suspending the operation of eating supper to call
attention to the fact. "Look, and never say that the natives are
destitute of feeling again."

Fred intended to be particularly severe upon Smith; but that worthy
merely glanced in the direction indicated, and, after a brief shrug of
his shoulders, took himself to his meal with renewed energy.

"You are convinced, I suppose?" Fred asked.

"Convinced that the lazy scamp recollects where the tobacco was put, and
is determined to rob the over-fed brute of his treasure."

We found that the convict was right, for the native, after fumbling at
the insensible man's girdle for a moment, reappeared at the fire, and
something like a grin of triumph lighted up his greasy features, as he
exposed to the admiring gaze the piece of tobacco which Fred had given
away.

Tired with our day's journey, and feeling sleepy after our meal, we soon
returned to the shelter of the cart for a night's rest; but before we
went, we were careful enough to pack up all of our cooking apparatus,
and also to place our rifles close at hand, although Smith told us that
the precaution was useless, as the natives never waged warfare upon full
stomachs.

It was long past daylight, when the hearty voice of the convict roused
us from a deep sleep, where dreams of home and comforts of civilization
were much pleasanter things to contemplate, than the half-naked bodies
of ten natives, who were lying upon the ground, circling the cold ashes,
where the night before a fire blazed. They lay like black snakes gorged
with carrion--lifeless and torpid, and nothing but repeated doses of
water upon their naked backs would rouse them.

"Go and take a bath," cried Smith, as we sat upright and rubbed our
eyes, and yawned sleepily.

He pointed to a small stream of water, ten or fifteen rods distant, and
as we thought it would be likely to relax our muscles, and relieve us of
a portion of the soreness which we felt, we took his advice, and upon
returning from our aquatic excursion, found coffee boiling, and salt
pork hissing in the spider, and potatoes roasting in the ashes.

After a hearty breakfast, we were ready to think about starting; but the
cattle had strayed to a considerable distance, and the convict
determined not to run after them, when he had aids so near at hand, who
could be induced for a trifle to undertake the job.

"Hullo!" he shouted, giving the nearest native a nudge with his foot;
but the fellow only grunted, and went off to sleep again.

Smith in a rage seized a pail of water that was near at hand, and dashed
part of its contents over the head and shoulders of the sleeping native,
who, not being accustomed to shower baths, started up with a cold
shiver, and hurriedly wiped the water from his face.

"Run and collect the cattle," cried Smith, who appeared to have
forgotten that not a word of English was understood by the native.

But a series of telegraphic signals was carried on by the convict, that
at last gave the barbarian to know what was wanted, and the sight of
half a hand of tobacco sharpened his faculties wonderfully.

He picked up his spear that was lying near at hand, and with the end
pricked into life half a dozen of his torpid companions; and although
blood flowed where the sharp-pointed wood touched, yet they bestirred
themselves very slowly, and did not appear to think that their brother
had used them any ways cruelly.

A short series of guttural grunts--for no other term will apply to
express the sound of their language--was carried on for a moment, and
then off started three of the natives to find the cattle of the convict,
which were, perhaps, half a dozen miles down the stream, attracted by
the sweetness of the grass which grew on the river's banks.

"As we shall have to wait some time, let's have a little amusement,"
cried Smith, who appeared to take the straying of his cattle in the most
philosophical manner.

"Agreed!" we cried. "What shall it be?"

"I'll make the natives show us a specimen of their skill with the
spear," the convict said, in the true style of Englishmen, who generally
think that all creation was created expressly for their service.

"Are they expert?" I asked.

"You shall see;" and forthwith Smith commenced another series of
telegraphing, and an admirable imitation of throwing the spear was not
forgotten, although, to tell the truth, even the natives did not disdain
to grin slightly at the clumsy gestures of the stockman.

They comprehended him, however, and pinning a small piece of paper upon
a huge tree, whose trunk had served many times as a fireplace for
parties of emigrants, like ourselves, bound to the mines, and by that
means had nearly destroyed the vitality of the noble cedar, the native
who had received the shower bath motioned to one of the youngsters of
the tribe to try his hand at the target.

He selected his spear, and retired from the tree about two rods; and
then, for the first time, did he appear to rouse himself, and wear the
air of a human being. His eyes, which were dull a few minutes before,
now lighted up, and imparted an animation to his face that I had not
believed possible; there was an activity and grace in his position, as
he faced the target, that proved there were some traits in their
character which would have made them formidable enemies.

The youngster balanced his body, throwing his right leg back as a brace,
and advancing his left foot, holding his spear upon an angle with his
eye, and drawing it back and forth, as though testing the strength of
his little, skinny arm, until he had apparently got the right balance,
when, with a quick motion, he hurled it at the mark; and as the spear
sped through the air, it produced a humming sound, like the noise of a
stone when thrown from a sling by the vigorous arm of a strong man.

So quick was the motion, and rapid the movement of the spear, that the
eye could not follow its flight; but we could hear the dull sound that
it produced within two inches of the mark, which was not larger than a
man's two hands.

"Well done," shouted Fred and myself in a breath; but the natives
manifested no applause, and even Smith shook his head and muttered,--

"He can do better than that; but the youngster is nervous and hardly
awake. Come, old boy," turning to the older native, "try your hand at
the business, and let's see what you can do."

After the usual telegraphing, he was made to understand what was
wanted; and taking a spear a trifle heavier than the one before used,
retreated nearly ten paces farther from the mark, and without apparently
using the same precautions for accuracy, let it fly.

It struck the piece of paper nearly in the centre, and penetrated the
tree four or five inches, quivered for a moment, but before it had
ceased, the native had snatched up another spear and hurled it after the
first. The second struck within an inch of its companion, and the united
strength of Fred and myself was necessary to draw them from the tree.

"Now let them see what Americans can do with rifles," cried the convict,
as he saw that the natives were rather jubilant over the feat of their
companion.

Neither Fred nor myself were what was called crack shots, either with
revolver or rifle; but we were fair, and had no need to feel ashamed of
our shooting. Determined to let the natives witness a specimen of our
skill, we pinned a piece of white rag, not larger than the palm of my
hand, upon the tree, discharged our rifles and carefully reloaded them
to be sure that they were not foul, and then retreated until we could
just see the rag.

The natives watched our proceedings in silence, but with considerable
curiosity, squatting upon the ground, and looking first at the target
and then at ourselves with an expression which seemed to say, "if you
hit that rag you are smarter than we think you are."

Indeed, so important did they consider the occasion, that they dragged
from the huts half a dozen women, and as many naked children, to witness
the exhibition.

I was to fire first; and as I drew a bead upon the mark, I carefully
calculated the distance, and with such accuracy that the bullet cut the
end of the mark, and carried a portion of the rag far into the body of
the tree.

"Hurrah for the rifles," shouted Smith, waving his hat, after he had
pointed out to the natives what had been done.

The crowd which had clustered around the tree stepped back as Fred took
his station. He was not so long sighting as myself, but his bullet
struck about an inch above my own, and nearly in the centre of the mark.

"Better and better," cried Smith, in tones of surprise; and when we
joined him, we saw by his actions that we had risen in his estimation,
while the natives, still squatting on their haunches, looked as though
we were gods, or beings of a superior order.

"Here come the oxen," cried Smith, after a few words of congratulation.
"We must get over thirty miles of ground before twelve o'clock
to-night."

"We are willing," we said.

"And the lameness and blisters?" he asked.

"The lameness is nearly gone, and the blisters are broken."

"Good; help me yoke the cattle, and before to-night you will taste, for
the first time, broiled kangaroo; and I'll tell you beforehand it's no
mean dish. Ge-long, ye brutes," and with hard cracks of the whip the
cart rumbled on, and we left the natives still squatting upon the
ground, and looking after us, as though wondering why we would travel
when it was so pleasant to sit still.




CHAPTER V.

THE SOLITARY STOCKMAN.--SHOOTING A KANGAROO.


About ten o'clock on the morning that we took our leave of the natives,
after witnessing their extraordinary skill at spear-hurling, the sun
shone out with a brilliancy and power that caused the cattle to protrude
their tongues, and lift their feet as though they wore shod with
fifty-sixes.

At twelve o'clock, when it seemed impossible for the oxen to go much
further without drink, our eyes were gladdened by the sight of green
trees and shrubs, which grew as if marked by a straight line, far off on
the prairie. The convict pointed to the well known signs of water, with
an encouraging smile, if, indeed, a smile could be seen when a man's
face is plastered over an inch thick with dust; but at any rate we were
willing to consider it as an expression of joy; although, perhaps, some
people might have thought our countenances resembled those of fiends
rather than human beings, for no flesh was visible, and the eyes looked
any thing but inviting, inflamed as they were by heat and dust.

"There is water close at hand?" I gasped, as the convict pointed to the
dark green line.

"Yes; and plenty of it," he replied, snapping his long whip, and
encouraging his tired animals with a hoarse shout.

The brutes appeared to sniff water even in the hot air, for they bent
their sturdy necks to the yoke with renewed energy, and plodded along at
a rate that required all of our exertions to keep beside the team.

In an hour's time we were standing upon the banks of a stream that had
forced its way through the level prairie, and which, during the rainy
season was unfordable; but now, when the hot sun had drank up most of
its water, a child could have passed over and not wet its knees.

It required the united exertions of all three of us to prevent the oxen
from rushing down the banks of the rivulet, and quenching their thirst
before the formality of unyoking had been gone through with. The
stock-whip was often raised, and its long lash exercised with terrible
severity, and every time it touched the flanks of the brutes, a small
piece of skin not larger than a sixpence was clipped from their
quivering flanks, leaving the flesh exposed to the mercy of the numerous
insects which hovered in the air and darted upon the defenceless spots
with the greediness of starvation.

"It's a shame," cried Fred, indignantly, "to torture poor animals that
way."

"Would you have them plunge down the banks of the stream, over-turn the
cart, spoil my cargo of goods, and perhaps lose two or three animals by
strangulation?" demanded the convict, with the first symptoms of
irritation that we had witnessed during our journey.

"No, I would not certainly desire to witness any thing of the kind; but
I still think that it is a harsh way of treating animals," cried Fred
dogmatically.

"I used to think so, and perhaps am of the same opinion still; but I
have too much confided to my charge to suffer loss for the want of a few
applications of the whip. After you have been in the country a few
years, you will not feel so tenderly for the sufferings of others."

"God grant that I may never be insensible to others' woes," cried Fred,
with a genuine burst of feeling.

"Spoken like a man," exclaimed the convict, enthusiastically. "Here," he
continued, extending his hand, "is a palm soiled by the commission of
crime; but I have lived long enough to repent of the errors of which I
have been guilty, and at times think of a mother's prayers when I was a
boy. Your words have recalled the days when I used to sit upon her knee
and listen to her words, and promise that when I grew old I'd imitate
the virtues of my father, and be a comfort to her in her declining
years. If my hand," he said, looking at it, "is soiled, my heart is
not, and I offer it to you as a pledge of friendship."

"And if your hand were stained I would accept it," returned Fred,
shaking his palm warmly. "I look upon you in the light of a friend, and
the folly of other days weighs not the weight of a feather towards
warping my judgment in considering your good and bad qualities."

The two men shook hands, and looked into each other's eyes as though
they had just found out one another's worth; and when the convict had
squeezed Fred's palm, he bestowed the same favor upon myself.

"Come," cried the convict, who appeared to be inspired with new life,
"let us get a bit of dinner, and then I will take you to the old cattle
station, where I once lived a solitary life, and where I harbored Black
Darnley."

"Is it far from here?" I asked, casting an anxious glance towards the
shadow of a tree, and thinking how pleasantly I could pass away a
portion of the afternoon by sleeping.

"Scarce a quarter of a mile, and I'll warrant that you will feel amply
repaid, tempting as the shadow of yonder tree looks," Smith said, having
guessed my weakness for repose.

"Then I will go," I replied.

"I will show you after we pass the bend of the stream," the convict
continued while on his hands and knees trying to ignite a fire with
prairie chips, "a flock of sheep that are counted by thousands. They
stretch over the land for miles in extent; even the owner does not know
how many he possesses, and has never visited his stockman, but trusts
all to an agent. Of course the latter has full authority to act as he
pleases, and sometimes, by some mysterious process, the agent gets
richer than the owner, and often buys his property, although where the
money comes from, I leave you to guess."

"Then an agent's station is better than an owner's," laughed Fred.

"It would not be if all men were honest," replied the convict, with a
gloomy brow; and from that time until the coffee was boiled, he did not
speak another word, but appeared to be meditating profoundly upon some
difficult problem.

The cattle had quenched their thirst, and were lying beneath the shadows
of tall trees, lazily cropping the rank grasses within their reach. Fred
and myself had bathed and felt refreshed, and as soon as dinner was
over, we announced to the convict our readiness to accompany him upon
his visit to the stockman's house, where he had spent so many days of
solitude.

"Take your rifles," Smith said, when he saw that we were about to depart
without them.

We looked at him inquiringly.

"We are now in regions where escaped convicts range freely; and ten
miles from here, by following the windings of this stream, is a forest
of gigantic trees and dark recesses, where the police of Melbourne dare
not venture. In that dreary retreat bushrangers find homes--stealing
forth as they do during the night, to feast upon slaughtered sheep, and
rob travellers; they lead an anxious life, as they never know who is
about to betray them, and give them up to the merciless rigor of the
authorities of the city, or else shoot them down as thoughtlessly as you
would a kangaroo, in case one should cross your path."

"I would like to know if we are to carry our rifles for the purpose, of
guarding against bushrangers or to kill kangaroos?" I asked.

"Perhaps for both intentions," replied Smith, glancing up and down the
stream, as though he was not certain that one animal or the other might
not be in sight. "We might meet a bushranger, and if we were without
arms he could do his will, and we should be powerless. As for kangaroos,
I've killed many on the very spot where we now stand; so let me warn you
to keep your eyes open, for they are like lightning in their movements,
and it requires a quick eye and steady hand to cover them with a rifle
when once they commence their leaps."

"A dollar to a shilling that I hit one the first fire, if not more than
thirty rods distant," cried Fred, glancing along his rifle as though one
was already in sight.

"I accept the wager," replied the convict, with a laugh at some thought
that appeared to strike him at the moment; but without enlightening us
he strode along the bank of the stream, leading the way towards the bend
of the brook, which was a few rods distant, and concealed a portion of
the prairie from view.

As we turned the elbow, or bend of the stream, a small hut met our view,
situated near the banks of the brook; while, covering the vast plain
were herds of sheep and lambs, so numerous that they seemed like grains
of sand upon the shore, and I should as soon have thought of counting
the latter, as the former.

The animals raised their heads and looked at us with alarm as we came in
sight, and then, appearing to think that we were there for no good
purpose, they started off into a run, tumbling over each other in their
flight, until they had placed a proper distance between us, when they
once more crowded into one dense mass, and then again scrutinized us
suspiciously.

"I will show you that I have not forgotten my old trade," Smith said,
after we had expressed our wonder at the number of animals before us.

He placed his hand to his mouth as he spoke, and uttered a shrill
whistle, which could have been heard for a mile or two. Twice did he
repeat the signal, and as he finished, the animals came slowly towards
us, as though confident that one who could produce sounds like those was
incapable of injuring them.

"Ah!" laughed the convict, "how many times have I called my flock in
that manner! and although years have passed since I was a stockman, I
have not yet forgotten the trick of the trade."

"Your signals appear to have awakened some one," Fred said, pointing to
a man who emerged from the hut, gun in hand, and who seemed undecided
whether to treat us as friends or foes.

"I will tell you a few circumstances connected with that man's history,"
the convict said, as we walked towards him. "Ten years since he was on
trial for the murder of his wife. The evidence was not very clear, so
the jury brought in a verdict of manslaughter, thinking that they might
as well convict on that ground as to let him escape. He was sentenced to
transportation for life; but after he had been in the colony three
years, new facts were brought to light which made his innocence
apparent. His counsel petitioned government for a release; but the
ministers turned a deaf ear to all entreaties, and said that as a jury
had presumed upon his guilt, they would not think of requesting her
majesty to grant a pardon; and the only thing they would attempt, would
be to send orders to treat the poor fellow as leniently as possible. In
consequence, he was allowed a parole, and entered the service of the man
who owns the vast flock of sheep which you see before you. He has grown
morose since he has led a solitary life, and if he answers questions at
all, it is in monosyllables. But do not treat him as if you knew for
what he was transported."

The latter part of Smith's remarks were spoken hurriedly, and in a low
tone, for we were close to the unfortunate man when they were uttered,
and he feared to be overheard.

I looked at the stockman with singular interest as we approached him. He
was, apparently, about fifty years of age, thin and slightly inclined to
stoop. His face was strongly marked and peculiar, and at one time he
must have passed for an exceedingly good-looking man.

His hair, which was quite white, gave him a venerable appearance; while
a long, flowing beard of jet black, combed, and carefully trimmed,
reminded me of a distinguished minister that I had once listened to, and
whose sermon made an impression upon my mind that has never been
effaced.

The stockman retained his defensive attitude, until he recognized the
features of Smith, when his gun was rested against the side of the hut,
and he once more dropped his head upon his breast, and with folded arms
awaited our coming.

"Well!" cried Smith, with assured cheerfulness; "how do you get along
nowadays?"

The stockman raised his head, and looked at the questioner as though
referring him to his face, with its wrinkles and lines of care, for an
answer. A moment after, his head was bowed upon his breast again, and he
appeared unconscious that we were present.

"Have you seen Darnley's band lately?" Smith inquired.

"Yes," replied the stockman, still retaining his position.

"Has he visited you within the past few days?" queried Smith.

"Yes," replied the man.

"Ah, his supply of provisions was short," cried Smith, as his eyes
sought the flocks as though wondering how many sheep satisfied the
bushranger and his gang.

The stockman returned no answer, so we passed him and entered his hut.
There were two bedsteads made of hides, a table, two rough chairs, that
looked as though introduced during the days of Sir Francis Drake, a few
pans hanging against the wall, an old chest with a broken lid and no
lock, and these were all the articles of luxury or convenience that
graced the cabin of the stockman.

Smith pointed out the spot where Darnley had slept on the night of his
visit; and after we had gratified our curiosity, we left the room, and
bidding the stockman good-by, started on our return to the team.

The poor man did not reply to our salutation, and after we left the
house a number of rods behind, we turned and saw that he was still
buried in profound reflection, and that his head was, as usual, resting
on his breast.

"Poor fellow!" I muttered; "his unjust sentence has broken his heart."

"He feels the wrong keenly," Smith said. "He has but one wish on earth
now; and that is, to see his daughter before he dies."

"He then has children living?" Fred asked.

"Only one, and she was a mere child when he left home. After his
misfortunes the girl was placed with a respectable family in
Lincolnshire. He has often heard from her--she married a hard-working
man, and now has one or two children. The stockman has saved every
shilling of his earnings for the last few years, for the purpose of
paying their passage to this country, where he thinks the husband can
prosper, and where he will have the privilege of seeing his
grandchildren grow up around him. Ten months since a hundred pounds were
sent for the object he had in view, but during the whole of that time no
word has arrived that the money reached its destination."

"A hard case, and one deserving of our warmest sympathy," cried Fred,
once more stopping to look at the solitary man, who still stood with
folded arms and bowed head, meditating upon his wrongs.

"A kangaroo! a kangaroo!" cried the convict, suddenly, pointing with his
hand towards a tall, slim animal, that was standing under a tree, as if
to shelter itself from the sun.

We looked at the kangaroo with considerable interest. It was nearly six
feet high, when standing upon its hind legs, of a dark red color, with
small spots of white upon its breast, while two short arms, or flippers,
were dangling from its fore-shoulders, which were narrow and lean, as
though, clipper-like, it was intended for speed.

The animal watched our movements narrowly; but as the distance was too
great for a rifle shot, we slowly edged towards it with the expectation
of getting within range.

Cautiously we crept along the prairie, sometimes partly concealed by
tall, rank grass and sweet-scented shrubs, until we were forty rods from
the tree under which the kangaroo was sporting.

"Hist!" said Smith, holding up his hand, to command our attention. "The
poor brute is a female, and has her young 'uns sporting around her."

A closer scrutiny revealed the presence of two kangaroos, who were
playing about their mother, unconscious of all danger. They were of a
much lighter color than the old one, and the fur upon their bellies was
nearly pure white. For some time we watched them, and then, desirous of
obtaining fresh meat for supper, Fred and myself crawled a little
nearer.

"Remember our wager," the convict cried, as we moved along on our hands
and knees.

Fred nodded in reply, but after we had got a few rods from Smith, the
latter suddenly started to his feet and uttered a loud yell.

So rapidly that our eyes could hardly follow their movements, did the
young animals run towards their parent and disappear from view; but we
had no time to wonder at that, for the mother, after a hasty glance
around, and comprehending the danger in which she stood, suddenly sprang
from beneath the shelter of the tree, and with the most extraordinary
bounds, some of which would measure over thirty feet in a straight line,
and nearly ten feet high, was passing us like a streak of lightning,
when Fred raised his rifle and fired.

The kangaroo continued her bounds without relaxing her speed; when,
thinking that I might be more successful, I also fired.

I heard the convict laugh heartily at our failures; but before his
merriment ceased, another gun was discharged, and with a mighty bound
the poor brute sprang into the air, alighted on the ground, and, rolling
over and over as though even in her death struggle she sought to escape,
yielded up her life.

We looked towards the stockman to see if he had discharged his gun. He
was leaning on his old musket, and a bright blue smoke was curling over
his head. For a moment he seemed to be warmed into life by the
excitement of the sport, but before the kangaroo had breathed her last,
his head sank upon his breast again, and he appeared no longer to take
an interest in the affairs of life.

We hastened to the animal, and wondered at her immense muscular power.
Her legs appeared like springs of steel, while a powerful tail, long and
bony, was also used to help the animal make those tremendous bounds,
which have become proverbial in Australia, and have excited the
attention of the most eminent naturalists.

"But where have the young 'uns disappeared?" I asked, after we had
sufficiently admired the animal.

"You would hardly think that they are still about her person," Smith
said.

We laughed incredulously, but Smith maintained his gravity and persisted
in his statement.

"It is an easy matter to settle," said Fred. "Just prove to us the truth
of your statement, and we shall be as knowing as yourself."

The convict bent over the body and inserted his hand in a small opening
in the belly of the animal that resembled the mouth of a pouch, but
which had escaped our attention. He drew forth, as the result of his
investigation, a little, struggling kangaroo, that tried to induce Smith
to relinquish his grasp by snapping at his hand with its toothless
mouth.

While we were admiring the softness of its skin, the second one was
dragged to light; but it uttered shrill cries of terror, and endeavored
to effect its escape from the rough hands that held it.

"It is as bad as murder, killing the poor brute," cried Fred,
indignantly, he having recovered from the mortification of missing the
animal.

"And there are no judges upon earth to sentence its murderer," cried a
solemn voice.

We looked and found that the stockman had left the shadow of his hut,
and was occupied the same way as ourselves, gazing at the carcass of the
kangaroo.

"Man is merciless, and God punishes us all in his own good time," the
stockman continued, as he listened to the grief of the motherless
animals.

"Then why did you take her life?" demanded Fred.

"A man that is wronged seeks to shift his burden so that the load which
weighs him down may grow lighter."

The old man, without another expression of sorrow, turned away and
walked towards his hut again; while Smith, who was used to such scenes,
and therefore had hardened his heart, deliberately commenced skinning
the dead brute, and allowed the young ones to escape wherever they chose
to run.

That night we supped upon the meat of the kangaroo; and while feasting
there was little thought of the sorrow which we experienced at its
death.




CHAPTER VI.

ADVENTURE WITH A DOG.--THE MURDER IN THE RAVINE.--STORY OF AN OUTRAGED
WOMAN.


The flickering light of a fire, around which was seated three men with
sunburnt faces and long beard, hardly illuminated the bank of the river
sufficiently to distinguish objects ten yards distant. The men were
Smith the convict, Fred, and myself. Each of our mouths were graced with
dingy pipes, and while we puffed away diligently, our eyes were fixed
upon the cheerful blaze, silently watching the ever-changing embers, and
meditating upon the events of the day. The wind had gone to sleep with
the sun, and the heated air had given place to a coolness that felt
doubly refreshing after the scorching which we had undergone on the
prairie that forenoon.

The air was still perfumed with the smoke of broiled kangaroo meat,
attracting large numbers of a fox-like species of animals, that rarely
ventured from the surrounding darkness, into the light of our camp-fire,
but skulked in the vicinity, and waited for the time when sleep would
overpower us, and allow them free pillage of our larder. Occasionally an
impatient one would utter a short bark, as though expressive of his
disgust at our watchfulness, and after he had thus given vent to his
feelings, slink away into darkness again; but their fiery, eager eyes,
could be distinguished as they prowled around and jostled each other
while taking counsel.

It was near ten o'clock. We had lapsed into silence, and each one was
busy with his own thoughts, perhaps laying plans for the future. From
the time that our pipes were lighted not a word had been exchanged, and
I was just about knocking the ashes from mine, and proposing a
retirement to our blankets beneath the nearest tree, when the prolonged
howling of a dog attracted my attention.

I looked towards Smith for an explanation, but found that he was as much
puzzled as myself, and was holding his pipe in one hand, while his head
was bent in the direction of the sound, as though waiting for a
repetition before he ventured to express an opinion.

Again did the mournful sound ring across the prairie, and this time it
seemed nearer than when first heard. I thought I knew the bay, and could
have sworn that the animal was a staghound, and a full-blooded brute at
that. I had seen none of the breed since I had arrived in Australia, and
I thought it singular to find one at such a distance from Melbourne.

"What is that hound baying for at this time of night?" I asked of the
convict, who still remained speechless.

"Are you sure that it is a hound?" Smith inquired.

"Quite positive. There he goes again. The brute has treed some animal,
and is informing his master of its whereabouts," I replied, listening to
see in what direction the sound proceeded from.

"You are wrong there," cried Fred. "The dog is evidently coming this
way, and perhaps has started a kangaroo. If it comes within sight I'll
try it, even if I miss as I did this afternoon."

Fred laid his hand upon his rifle which was lying by his side, and tried
to peer into the darkness, but a moment's experiment convinced him of
the folly of his thought, and he laid the gun down again.

"I've never heard a sound like that since I left old England," the
convict said, as the baying continued, and grew nearer at each
repetition.

We all three felt an anxiety that we tried to conceal from each other.
The loneliness of our location, and the uncertainty of meeting with
friends in that part of the country, the frequent robberies that had of
late been committed, and the daring of the bushrangers, were all ample
cause for vigilance on our part; and perhaps we suspected that the dog
was used by some gang to discover the presence of travellers, and
expedite the work of pillage.

Nearer and nearer did the hound approach, and we had just time to snatch
our rifles from the ground, and start to our feet, when the animal
sprang into our narrow circle, and with subdued bays seemed to claim our
notice.

"Give him a wide berth," shouted the convict, swinging his sharp axe
over his head as though in readiness to bring it down upon the skull of
the dog if he showed signs of hostility. "Keep clear of the brute," he
continued, "for he may be mad."

The hound, a noble animal, with long, wiry limbs, and heavy jaws, around
which drops of foam were hanging, instead of shrinking from the uplifted
arm of the convict, seemed to measure the danger in which he stood at a
glance, and before we could interfere, or the heavy axe descend, sprang
full at the throat of Smith, and such was the impetuosity and suddenness
of the attack that the convict was borne to the ground, and for a moment
was at the mercy of the dog.

Fred and myself raised our rifles simultaneously, but before we brought
them to bear, the animal had quit his grip and began craunching some
bones which were lying near the fire, tearing the meat which adhered to
them in the most ravenous manner, and exhibiting all the signs of
starvation.

"Don't fire," shouted Smith, struggling to his feet. "Don't fire; you
see the poor brute is nearly starved."

We still held our rifles ready, however, and were half inclined to use
them; but, as we looked at the dog, and saw how greedily he was
devouring his food, we concluded to wait and see what he would do after
he had satisfied his appetite.

"The dog is rather quick and spiteful," cried Smith, rubbing his throat
and adjusting his shirt collar, which had been somewhat disarranged. "It
served me right for threatening him, when it's evident that he has
sought us peaceably."

The convict, instead of harboring malice, cut large pieces of flesh from
the body of the kangaroo and fed him. He greedily devoured all that was
offered, and wagged his long, rat-like tail in satisfaction. When,
however, he had nearly demolished one fore-quarter of our prize, he
walked a short distance from the fire and renewed his howling,
commencing on a low key, and gradually ascending, until the yells could
have been heard for miles.

"What is the matter with the brute?" asked Smith, turning to Fred and
myself, who were too perplexed to answer the inquiry; and, before we
could speak again, the hound walked slowly back to the fire, looked
piteously into our faces, and, strolling out into the darkness,
commenced baying as loud as ever.

Three several times did the intelligent animal seek to induce us to
follow him, without our comprehending his meaning; but when it was
evident that such was his desire, grave questions arose as to the
expediency of our doing so. We thought that possibly it was a trick to
induce us to leave our baggage so that the owners of the dog would have
an unrestricted opportunity to plunder the cart. Such things had
happened before, and why not again?

We glanced suspiciously at the hound as he stood near the fire, looking
at our faces and appearing to understand every word that was said on the
subject; indeed, when Smith stated, during the conversation, that he
would not on any account leave his wagon, the brute uttered a howl as
though he despaired of success, and turned all of his attention to Fred
and myself.

"Let us follow him," cried my friend, grasping his rifle as though he
feared nothing with that in his hand.

The dog, as soon as Fred had uttered the words, crouched at his feet and
licked his shoes, while a low bark testified to his joy.

I looked towards Smith for advice and guidance in the matter. He was
musing on the subject, but when he saw that we only waited for his
decision, he shouldered his axe, and nodded his head.

"Let us follow the brute," he cried. "We may be the means of saving
life, and, perhaps, much suffering. Lead the way, good dog, and take us
to your master."

The hound sprang from his crouching position at Fred's feet, and
started on a dog-trot along the road that led towards Melbourne. In a
few minutes, despite our exertions to keep pace with him, he was out of
sight; but we followed along the course which he had started, and after
a short time he returned to our sides, wagging his tail, and apparently
urging us to increase our speed.

A dozen times did he disappear in like manner, yet never for any length
of period; and after we had walked nearly three miles, the animal
abandoned the beaten track and continued across the prairie.

"I don't want to go a great ways in this direction," muttered the
convict, glancing around, and trying to pierce the darkness.

"Why not?" I asked.

"Because, a few miles farther and we shall be near the forest which I
spoke to you about. It is infested with men better seen at a distance or
not at all."

In spite of Smith's fears, however, we tramped on quarter of an hour
longer, and then, by the uneasy movements of the dog, concluded that we
were not far from our destination.

Suddenly the animal sprang forward with a bay of warning, and
disappeared as if by magic. The next moment we were upon the steep bank
of a gulch, nearly thirty feet deep; and had not the actions of the dog
rendered us careful, we should have plunged headlong upon its rocky bed.

For a moment, we remained motionless, hardly daring to move, for fear
that one false step would lead us to our ruin; but, after listening for
a while, we heard the dog as he reached the bottom of the ravine, and
then we determined to follow at all hazards.

With careful steps we worked our way down the steep bank, and after half
an hour's toil found ourselves at the bottom. The hound was waiting for
us, and testified his impatience by a deep bay. The instant, however,
that we joined him, he became silent, and trotted on as before.

Suddenly a groan, but a few feet from us, caused us to halt, and hastily
look around. But a short distance from us were the indistinct outlines
of a cart, and near the vehicle was the hound, busily occupied in
lapping something that was lying upon the ground.

Another groan, and we moved towards the individual that seemed in such
deep distress. By the bright starlight, but which hardly penetrated the
gulch, we saw the form of a woman extended upon the rough rocks, while
near her lay the body of a man motionless.

"Here is work for us," cried Smith, all his genuine feeling returning;
and he threw his heavy axe aside, and in a twinkling had the woman's
head upon his knee, and was pouring down her throat a potion from a
black bottle which he carried in his pocket.

"Look to the man," he cried, assuming the leadership at once; and in
obedience to orders I knelt beside him, and placed my hand upon his
heart. He was cold, and his heart was motionless. As I withdrew my hand,
I felt that my fingers were moist and sticky. I tried to discover what
adhered to them, but the darkness was too great.

"Give me the matches, Smith," I said, quickly. "We will strike a light,
and investigate this affair."

A large quantity of drift wood was lying on the bed of the gulch, and
well dried by the hot summer's sun. I cut a few shavings, and a bright
fire was soon under headway, and cast its ruddy glare upon the group
collected around the cart, which was broken in half a dozen different
places, and had, apparently, been thrown from the banks above.

As soon as sufficient fuel was added, we turned our attention to the
woman whose head Smith was holding. Her eyes were closed, and her teeth
clinched like those of a person in a fit. There was not a vestige of any
color in her face, while her garments appeared as though they had
experienced rough usage, and were torn in a dozen different places. In
spite of the strong decoction which Smith had poured down her throat,
she did not revive, or appear to comprehend what was said to her; and
after rubbing her hands for a while, and finding that it did no good, I
devoted a few moments to an examination of the body of the man.

I now comprehended the meaning of the sticky substance which adhered to
my hand, for upon his breast were two large, ragged wounds, either of
which was sufficient to let out the life of a man, and from each had
oozed his blood until it had congealed in large lumps, and was held,
bag-like, by his thick flannel shirt.

"There has been murder committed here," I cried, holding up my hands,
stained with the vital fluid of the dead man.

"There has been more than murder," replied Fred, in a low tone. "There
has been violence offered to a woman."

"Impossible," I cried, with a shudder at the thought.

"Look and convince yourself, then," Fred said, seizing a burning brand
and holding it so that the light was thrown upon the face and body of
the insensible woman.

Upon her neck was a large, discolored spot, and a near examination
revealed the impression of finger-nails, as though she had been seized
with no gentle hand, and choked, until forced to yield compliance to
unholy wishes and desires.

Upon both sides of a neck that retained traces of beauty, although
bearing the impression of the sun's burning rays, were the dark marks to
be seen; and the hand that had left its impression was none of the
smallest, nor its grip the weakest, as we could readily see.

The hound had crouched close to us, and watched with wary eyes our
movements. Often did he rise and lick the face of the insensible woman,
and after uttering a howl of grief, retire to his resting place, to
mourn in secret for his loss.

"Force more of the liquor down her throat," cried Fred, who was rubbing
a hand that appeared accustomed to toil, for its palm was hard and
broad.

Smith once more brought his bottle into requisition, and forcing apart
the teeth, emptied a portion of its contents into her mouth. Whether the
chafing began to have its effect, or the liquor was uncommonly strong,
is a matter of doubt; but at any rate she strangled as though she would
never recover her breath, and ended by opening a pair of very frightened
blue eyes.

She raised her head from Smith's knee, glanced hurriedly and with
frightened looks first at Fred and then at myself, and before we were
aware of her intentions, sprang to her feet, and with loud shrieks
sought to escape. Before she had taken half a dozen steps, however,
Smith's stout arms were thrown around her, and he was calling to her in
gentle words to listen to reason, and to look upon him as a friend--that
he would protect her, and help avenge her injuries.

Part of his words were lost during the momentary struggle which occurred
between them; but when her strength failed, and she sank exhausted and
panting into his arms, for the first time she appeared to comprehend
that we were not bushrangers, but human beings and friends.

"Compose yourself," cried Smith, as gently as though he held an infant
in his arms. "See, even your dog is satisfied that we mean no harm; he
led us to this place, or you would have perished before morning. Tell us
what has happened, and how we can assist you."

"Where is my husband?" she asked, after a moment's silence, during which
her wild eyes wandered from face to face, as though seeking to verify
the truth of his words.

We returned no answer, and she repeated the question, though in a louder
tone, and appeared to doubt us because we kept silent.

"My husband! where is my husband?" she shrieked; and as she turned her
restless eyes towards the cart, she suddenly appeared to comprehend
every thing.

"He is dead--he is dead," she cried, starting to her feet, in spite of
the gentle restraint which Smith sought to impose upon her.

She saw the body of the man who had been murdered, and with a loud cry
she fell upon it, laid her head upon its cold bosom, and sobbed as
though her heart would break. We did not interrupt her grief, but the
faithful dog lay down beside her, and added his subdued howls to her
tears; and when she mourned the loudest, he would lick her hands and
face, and seek to comfort her with his love.

We heaped up fuel on the fire, and waited patiently for the time when
the woman would exhaust her grief, and give us some account of the
proceedings by which she and hers had suffered.

While Smith and Fred remained near the fire, they examined the cart to
see if it contained any thing that would be useful to the unfortunate
woman in her present hour of grief. There were a few culinary utensils,
besides a thin mattress and blankets--all thrown in promiscuously, as
though the load had been ransacked and rifled of every thing that was
valuable, and the remainder not considered worth taking away.

The night wore on, and light would soon herald the approach of day. It
was necessary that we should return to our camp, and look after our
effects; for who could tell how long they would he safe unless guarded
by a display of rifles? Besides, the cattle needed looking after, and
collecting, or they would be likely to stray back towards Melbourne and
get mixed with the wild animals which belonged to some of the numerous
stockmen on the road. Or the bushrangers might take a fancy for a change
of diet, and prefer beef to mutton; and in this case they would not be
likely to ask the permission of the owner of the animals, unless he was
stronger-handed than the robbers.

I saw Smith glance uneasily along the ravine, and edge towards the woman
as though he wished to cheer her in her affliction, and yet explain
about the large amount of property which he had left unprotected. As
her sobs had somewhat subsided, worn out by the violence of her
emotions, she appeared more calm; he made the attempt, and kneeling
beside her spoke,--

"We are strangers," he said, taking her sunburnt hand between his rough
palms, and looking at her as tenderly as though she had been his sister;
"we are strangers, but there is not a man present but will shed his
blood in your defence; and while we have strength there is no fear of
your suffering. Have confidence in us, and explain how this dreadful
affair happened."

He waited patiently for an answer, but some few minutes passed before
she could repress her sobs, which commenced anew at the sound of his
voice. At length she raised her head, brushed back the heavy masses of
hair which partly screened her face, and with an uncertain voice
replied,--

"I thank you for your offers of assistance, and accept them; for what
can I do alone in this desert without friends? My troubles are so
unexpected that if I do not appear grateful, attribute it to a want of
realization of the dreadful scenes through which I have passed since
yesterday. My husband--"

She threw herself upon his corpse again, and for a while her grief
recommenced with all its former violence. Smith soothed and comforted
her, and gradually was enabled to draw all the facts connected with the
murder from her unwilling lips.

"It is ten days since we arrived at Melbourne," she went on to say; "my
husband thought that we had better leave our two children at the city
with some friends, who were passengers in the same ship with ourselves,
until he had settled upon what occupation he should pursue. He had a
strong desire to try his luck at the mines, and as we had a little money
left after reaching this country, he invested it in buying a cart and
horse, and a few articles which were needed on the route. I was very
reluctant to part with my children, but I now perceive that it was for
the best; for it is probable that the little dears would have shared the
fate of their father, had they travelled with us. The chief object of
our visit to this country, however, was not so much a desire for wealth,
as the thought of meeting a parent whom I have been separated from since
I was a child."

She paused for a moment, and buried her face in her hands, as though
reluctant to proceed. Smith and I exchanged glances of surprise, while
the woman continued her rambling story.

"I am almost ashamed to say that my father was transported to Australia
for life; but he was innocent of the charge against him, and it has
since been made manifest; but government refuse to give him his liberty,
and he is still a convict."

"What was the charge upon which he was convicted?" asked Smith, with
breathless anxiety.

The woman hung her head and remained silent; and Smith was obliged to
repeat his question before he obtained an answer. His pertinacity seemed
cruel, but he had an object in view.

"He was charged with the death of my mother," she answered, her voice
stifled with tears.

"And your name before you were married was--"

"Mary Ogleton."

"It is the same," muttered Smith; but instead of revealing the good news
to her, he waited to hear the balance of her history since leaving
Melbourne. A few soothing words, and she continued,--

"Ten months since we had letters from my father, strongly urging us to
come to him, as he thought my husband would make a better living here
than in England. We were the more inclined to follow his advice, as the
letters contained drafts for money to help us pay our passage, which we
otherwise should not have been enabled to have done."

"Tell us about your journey since leaving the city," cried Smith, "for
we already know your history before that period."

She looked surprised, and continued,--

"Father wrote us that he was tending a flock of sheep on the road
leading to Ballarat, and that he could not leave his station even for a
day; but we were to write him if we intended coming, and he would have a
friend on the lookout for us. We answered his letter, saying that we
should embark on board of the first ship that sailed for Australia; but
when we reached port we found none to welcome us; and it was only after
diligent inquiries that we learned where he was located. Yesterday,
about noon, we thought that we must be near his home; and on inquiring
of a man that we met, he said that he knew him well, and would conduct
us to his hut. By his advice, we left the road which we had travelled
for four days, and struck across the prairie. I did not like the
appearance of our guide, and expressed my fears to my husband; but he
laughed at me, and placed implicit confidence in all that the stranger
said."

"What sort of looking man was your guide?" asked Smith.

"A dark-featured man, with long black beard, tall, and strongly framed.
Upon his forehead was a large scar, that looked as though recently
inflicted. I noticed him particularly, because I mistrusted him the
instant he offered to act as our guide."

"It was Black Darnley," cried Smith, in reply to my interrogation; "the
villain--he shall yet suffer for his treachery."

"That was the name by which his companions addressed him," cried the
woman, who overheard Smith's remark.

The convict encouraged her to continue her narrative, and motioned Fred
and myself to remain silent.

"He led us to the bank of this ravine, and said that we must here
abandon our team, and walk a few miles to father's hut. My husband
refused to follow his advice in that respect, and while Darnley was
urging him to do so, our dog, which had faithfully remained with us
since we left England, started in pursuit of a strange animal that
bounded along the prairie faster than the hound could run. We all became
interested in the chase, and when we lost sight of dog and animal, I
looked up and found five rough men close beside me. I started with
surprise; but before my husband could say a word, or use the gun which
he carried, Darnley discharged a pistol full at his breast, and he fell
dead. I remember nothing more, or, if I do, I pray to God that I may
soon forget it, or else join my husband in heaven. Were I childless, I
would dash my head against these rough stones, and so end my days."

As she finished her story, she bowed her head upon her husband's cold
bosom, and her tears flowed fast and freely, while her frame shook as
though she was laboring under an attack of ague.

"Listen to me," said Smith, at length, laying his hand upon her arm to
attract her attention: "we have a long journey before us, and time is
precious; but we will lose a day for the purpose of restoring you to
your father. Trust me, I know him, and if you think you can walk a few
miles, a few hours from now will see you in his arms."

"I am strong now," she said, rising, as though the news had given her
new life.

"Then lean on me, and I will assist you up this bank. Courage--remember
you live for your children and parent now."

As Smith offered his strong arm, she accepted it; but a sudden thought
took possession of her mind, and she quitted his side and once more
threw herself upon the body of her husband.

"I cannot leave him," she shrieked, clasping her arms around his neck,
and pressing her head upon his bosom. "He has been my only friend for
years; he did not despise me when he knew that my parent was a convict;
he has loved me, and is the father of my children. Let me remain with
him, and die upon his breast."

"This is madness," Fred cried, impatiently.

"Hush," said Smith. "Consider what the poor thing has suffered, and
treat her gently as a sister."

The stout convict, whose heart had been strongly touched by her story
and deep love, raised her in his arms, soothed her, spoke words of
comfort to her, and promised if she would but leave the spot, that the
body of her husband should soon follow her, and be buried in a
Christian-like manner.

She listened like one who did not comprehend his meaning, and all the
time that he was talking, her eyes were fixed upon the pale face of her
husband, as though she expected each moment to hear his voice, and see
him start to his feet, and open his arms for her protection.

With gentle force we urged her away from the distressing sight, and
when, after long labor, we had gained the bank of the ravine, we found
that the poor woman was nearly unconscious, and hardly capable of
moving.

"Where now?" I asked of Smith, as we carried her along.

"To the hut of Ogleton," he cried; "and then, if I mistake not, we shall
have work before us."

"What kind of work?" asked Fred, who was carrying the rifles, and the
sharp axe of the convict.

"The work of revenge," cried Smith, solemnly.

"I am ready for it," exclaimed Fred, brandishing his rifle; "God only
grant us all strength to perform it."

And as we staggered along the prairie with our burden, the dark clouds
in the east broke away, and revealed the glowing tints of the rising
sun; and a hundred bright-plumed birds darted through the air, awakening
the solitude of that vast plain with their shrill calls, and each cry
seemed to say, "Revenge! revenge!"




CHAPTER VII.

BLACK DARNLEY'S VILLANY.--THE CONVICT STOCKMAN.


A brighter sun never shone upon the barren plains and fertile valleys of
Australia, than that which appeared above the horizon on the morning
after the murder and deed of violence committed by Black Darnley and his
gang of bushrangers. Our party had not closed their eyes in sleep during
the night, yet not one of us felt the least fatigue or desire to rest,
until the woman, who was under our protection, had been placed beneath
the shelter of her father's roof, humble as it was, and removed from all
society and scenes of civilization.

As we supported the unhappy woman towards the habitation of the convict,
and spoke words of encouragement which fell upon listless ears, we
thought of a parent's love, and how strong it must exist in the heart of
that old man, who had grown morose under his wrongs, yet still clung to
the recollection of his child, and fancied her a girl, instead of a
full-grown woman, and the mother of a family.

We had no doubt that her reception by her father would be warm; but we
dreaded to know how he would deport himself upon the news of the harsh
treatment which she had received being explained to him. He was
represented to us by Smith as a man of quick passions--bold and
fearless, or he would never have accepted the situation to which he was
attached--surrounded, as he was, with dangerous neighbors--convicts, who
cared no more about shedding the blood of a man than they did for the
lamb which they slaughtered when hungry--wild beasts, who prowled around
the fields at night, and skulked near during the day, and who, if urged
by starvation, would attack the shepherds, provided they interposed
between them and their prey.

This was the kind of man that was to be told that his daughter had
suffered at the hands of men whom he had spoken with weekly for months,
and who respected him only because they knew him to be no coward, and a
convict like themselves.

Our walk across the prairie was slow and laborious. We were compelled to
govern our pace with that of the woman, and as she was half-dead with
grief, and insensible to our words of encouragement, we concluded to let
her cry without hindrance on our part, and only hoped that our wagon
might escape pillage during our long absence.

It was about nine o'clock when we reached the place where we were camped
the night before. The wagon remained where we had left it; but it needed
no tongue to tell that it had been visited, while we were away, and that
a portion of the load was removed. Boxes of goods were overturned, and
tops wrenched off, bales were cut open, and their contents scattered
upon the ground; and, upon a near examination, we found that the
impudent robbers had used our dishes to feast from, and that there were
still smoking brands upon the fire where they had boiled their coffee,
as though they knew we should be absent all night, and had plenty of
time to enjoy themselves before our return.

For a few minutes, after Smith had seen the havoc which the bushrangers
had made with his cargo, he seemed to need as much comforting as the
unfortunate female under his charge. But he was a man, and had seen too
much of the world's trials to get discouraged, so he proceeded to gather
up his goods in the most philosophical manner, although an occasional
oath did escape him as he missed some article of value which he knew
could not be replaced except in Melbourne.

While Smith was occupied with his cargo Fred and myself proceeded to
cook breakfast, a meal which we stood very much in need of, considering
the labors of the night; but before we did so, our female friend was
placed upon blankets and screened from the hot sun. She refused all
offers of nourishment, and would not drink even a cup of strong tea
which we proffered her. Coffee, we unfortunately had none, as the
bushrangers had taken a fancy to the few pounds which were on the cart,
and carried it with them, rejecting with seeming contempt the green
leaves of China, of which there was a large box undisturbed.

Even the flesh of the kangaroo which we had hung upon the limb of a tree
was saved; but our store of salt pork was gone, also the few vegetables,
worth almost their weight in gold at the mines, which had been treasured
until we should arrive at our destination.

Fred uttered a curse when he found that there was not a single potato
left; but, after he had vented his displeasure, he applied his energies
to the matter before him with all his usual determination.

Fred's clothing and my own, contained in one small canvas bag, was gone,
and we stood in all that we owned. That did not distress us, however,
for we were not likely to go into society where a change of dress was
expected, but we did growl when we found that the scamps had carried off
all our powder, excepting what our flasks contained.

"Whose work is this?" asked Fred, who was broiling a piece of kangaroo
on a stick, and in a very artistic manner, for the purpose of tempting
the poor woman's appetite.

Smith, to whom the question was addressed, straightened his stout form,
and held up a number of flannel shirts, which he was taking to the mines
on a venture. They had been cut with knives in the most wanton manner,
and hardly a square inch had escaped.

"There is evidence enough of the perpetrator," replied Smith, pointing
to the holes.

"Well, who is he?" cried Fred, sprinkling a little salt upon the burning
flesh.

"There is but one gang of bushrangers in these parts who inflict wanton
injury upon the goods of carriers. That gang is Darnley's!"

"And yet you pardoned him once when he was in your power," I said.

"True; and had I been here my cargo would have escaped molestation. He
little thought that he was injuring me. I will do him the justice of
saying that."

"He and his gang should be swept from the face of the earth," cried
Fred, who, having cooked and seasoned the meat to his satisfaction, now
approached the woman, who was lying upon a blanket, apparently
unconscious of what was going on around her.

He had but uttered the words when she started to her feet, grasped his
arm with a vehemence utterly at variance with her previous docility, and
exclaimed,--

"You are right, Kill the monster! Kill him, for he is unfit to live.
Kill him, for he has wronged an unprotected woman, and committed
outrages that will condemn him to eternal punishment in the next world."

She released her grasp of Fred and fell to the ground, where she sat
rocking her body to and fro, uttering moans of anguish. But she no
longer shed tears, and her eyes looked wild and threatening, as though
her troubles had affected her reason.

"Who talks of killing?" cried a deep voice. "That is God's prerogative,
not man's nor vain woman's."

We started, and turning saw that the convict stockman had approached us
unawares, and was leaning on his long gun, keenly scanning the features
of the unfortunate woman.

"There are some crimes which God designs man to punish," answered Smith,
desisting from his occupation of gathering up his traps. "I think that
the scoundrels who robbed my team deserve hanging, and I don't want to
wait until they are dead to know that they are receiving punishment in
the next world."

"The world to come is one of darkness to us mortals, and who can pierce
its blackness. But God has promised light, and behold the angel of the
Lord will reveal all things, for so sayeth the Book of all books."

"I don't know what you mean," replied Smith, who had listened
attentively to the wild, rambling speech of the convict without
comprehending its import; "but this I do know, that I would mash the
heads of the bushrangers who robbed my cart, if they were within the
reach of my axe."

"Trust in God for vengeance, for to him does it belong," exclaimed the
convict, drawing a dirty looking and well-thumbed Testament from his
pocket, and turning over leaf after leaf as though seeking for a
particular chapter.

"We must get him to put up his book, or he'll read from now till
sundown," cried Smith, with visible alarm at the idea of being compelled
to listen.

"Here is an unfortunate woman that needs your assistance," said Smith,
laying a hand upon the old man's arm, and calling his attention to his
child.

"Does she need spiritual assistance, or only food for the body? Her
looks are like those of a person who has been suffering."

"She has suffered much within twenty-four hours, and her only friend now
is that dog that keeps so close to her."

"Let her be comforted," the convict cried, approaching her; "if her
sorrow is ever so deep, it can be healed."

He closed his book as he spoke and approached his child, who sat with
downcast eyes, and apparently unconscious of his presence.

"Daughter," he began; but at the sound of his voice so near, she raised
her eyes hastily, and on her face could be seen the emotions and
struggles to recollect where she had before heard his tones. She
pressed her hand to her forehead as though forcing memory to reveal its
secret, but suddenly the truth was revealed to her.

"Father," she cried, starting to her feet, and throwing her arms around
that white-headed man's neck, venerable before his time. "Father! O God,
is it you?"

She laid her aching head upon his bosom, and, with her arms around his
neck, shed tears as freely as she did the day that she was separated
from him, as she thought, forever.

The convict staggered back, and would have fallen, had not Fred's strong
arm supported him. He glanced from face to face as though trying to read
the meaning of the surprise, and then he turned his looks upon his
daughter.

"Mary," he cried, after pushing the hair from her forehead, "can it,
indeed, be my child--has the little girl whom I left in England grown to
be a woman!"

He held her close in his embrace as though he feared that something
would happen to prevent his seeing her again. He kissed the tears from
her cheeks, and begged her to be calm, and to tell him about her voyage,
and lastly to speak about her husband and children.

Her sobs were her only response. He grew impatient at her refusal to
answer his interrogations, and then suspicions of foul play entered his
imagination.

"There has been some wrong done you," he cried, appealing to his
daughter.

She answered with tears and moans.

"Speak, and tell me who has dared to injure you," he cried vehemently.
"Was it your husband?"

His brow grew threatening and black, as he put the question.

There was no reply, but his daughter clung to his neck with a more
convulsive grasp, as though she feared to lose her parent also.

He glanced from Smith to Fred, and from the latter to myself, as though
debating whether we were the guilty party.

"Tell me," he cried, lifting her head from his shoulder, and seeking to
get a glimpse of her face, "who has wronged you?"

There was no response. He placed her gently upon the blankets, and then
with a face that was livid with rage, grasped his musket which had
fallen to the ground.

"Which of you has dared to do this?" he asked, and the ominous click of
the lock of the gun proved that he was in earnest, and that all of his
worst passions were aroused.

No one answered. I looked towards Smith, expecting to hear him explain
every thing; but, to my surprise, he was silent; evidently too much
astonished at the unexpected turn which the affair had assumed, to
speak.

My look was misconstrued by the indignant convict, for before I could
speak, the long gun was levelled at the breast of Smith, and in another
moment all his hopes and fears would have been at an end, had not his
child started up and rushed towards him.

"Not him!" she shouted, wildly. "O God, not him!"

He dropped the muzzle of his gun, but his fierce eyes still glared from
Fred to me.

"Which of these two?"

He indicated us with a motion of the hand that held the gun, and looked
in his child's face for confirmation.

"Neither, father--so help me Heaven, neither. Without the aid of these
friends I should have perished."

He dropped the muzzle of the gun, and each of us felt thankful as he did
so, for we had witnessed the accuracy of his aim the day before, and
while the muzzle of the musket was pointed towards us, one of our lives
was not worth insuring.

"You are tired and distressed," the convict said, addressing his
daughter with a degree of tenderness that I thought wonderful after his
late outbreak.

"My head," she murmured, "feels as though it would burst; while my heart
is broken already."

"Rest a while, until I confer with your new-found friends, and then you
shall accompany me to my home. It is a hut, but it is all I have to
shelter you."

It was singular to witness how soon the recluse had once more become an
active man of the world, and for a while forgotten his Bible and
religious fanaticism.

"Tell me all that has happened," the convict said, motioning for us
three to follow him a short distance from his daughter, so that our
conversation could not be overheard by her.

Smith related the strange visit of the hound, and his leading us to the
scene of the murder--our finding his child in an insensible
condition--the story of her wrongs, and our surprise at finding that she
was in search of him. He listened with clinched teeth, and only
interrupted the narrative with groans of rage and anguish. When he knew
all, we waited to see what course he would pursue.

To our surprise, he did not speak, but turned away as though about to
seek his home.

"Stay one moment," cried Smith, laying his hand upon his shoulder.

"Well," cried the convict, impatiently.

"What do you propose to do?" we asked.

"Are you Americans, and ask that question?" he demanded.

"You think of seeking Black Darnley?" Smith continued.

"I do."

"Alone?"

"Alone."

"You shall not," cried Smith, with sudden energy. "You are no match for
him and his gang."

"My daughter's injury must be avenged. I go alone to consummate it."

"Stay until to-morrow, and we will accompany you," Fred and myself cried
with one accord.

The convict hesitated for a moment, then suddenly extended his hands,
and while he wrung ours, promised a compliance. The next instant he had
lifted his daughter in his arms, and was walking with the burden towards
his hut.

We saw no more of him until towards night, and then he was in front of
the hut cleaning his long, heavy musket.




CHAPTER VIII.

AN EXPEDITION.--A FIGHT WITH BUSHRANGERS.--DEATH OF BLACK DARNLEY.


"I don't like the expedition," said Smith, pettishly, as he saw Fred and
myself examining our powder-flasks and counting bullets.

"Then stay here and await our return," cried Fred, bluntly, looking up
from his work.

Smith moved uneasily, muttered something in an under tone, felt the edge
of his constant companion, a heavy axe, and then replied,--

"If you two harum-scarum youngsters are determined to get your throats
cut, I don't see but that I shall have to be near at hand. But I tell
you it is bad business, and none but crazy men would think of
penetrating that dark forest in search of bushrangers."

"You wouldn't let that old man go alone, would you?" we asked.

"No; but then--"

He stopped a moment, as though to collect his thoughts, and pettishly
exclaimed,--

"D---- it, you are going in search of the worst gang on the island.
Black Darnley is equal to all three of us in a personal encounter."

"But suppose we kept him at bay, and tried the effect of rifle shot?" I
asked, holding up a short, heavy, instrument, carrying about twenty-five
to a pound.

"The rifle looks like a true one, and I know that you boys can shoot,
but suppose that you didn't get the chance?"

"Then we must trust to luck," answered Fred, coolly.

"I'm no great hand at bush-fighting," replied Smith; "but we have joined
our fortunes for a trip to the mines, and I'm not the man to desert you
at the time of need."

"Then you'll go?" we asked.

"Yes; if I get killed it matters not much."

In half an hour we were ready; each man carried a small knapsack,
containing a few cakes of bread and the remains of the kangaroo, while
Smith provided himself with a small bottle, the contents of which he
kept a profound secret.

Not knowing whether we should ever be fortunate enough to return and
claim the few articles of property that belonged to us, Fred and myself
paused for a moment to bid them farewell.

Standing in the doorway of the stockman's hut, we saw the form of his
injured daughter watching us on our tramp. She remained motionless'
until we turned to continue our march, and then she waved a blood-red
handkerchief as though bidding us remember her injuries and avenge them.

Right before us, at a distance of five miles, was a dark line of trees,
extending for many leagues along the horizon. In the depths of that
forest few white men had ever penetrated. Once, a dozen of the police of
Melbourne attempted to break up a gang of bushrangers who sheltered
themselves upon the edge of this wild region. On the alarm being given,
the villains discharged a volley at the officers and then fled. Five of
the police were killed or wounded, but the remainder, nothing daunted,
started in pursuit. They got separated amidst the thickets, and but one
man returned alive to Melbourne. The remainder either got lost and
starved to death, or else were killed by the bushrangers. After that,
government was content to offer large rewards for the apprehension of
the escaped convicts, but the police did not care to venture a second
time into their dread abode.

I have mentioned these circumstances to show that the undertaking upon
which we had embarked was one of no ordinary kind; that there was much
peril and little honor to be gained in an encounter with half a dozen
desperate men, who knew that their lives depended upon the stout
resistance which they should offer, and of course would fight to the
death.

If we did look sharply to the loading of our rifles, and felt the long
bowie knives that we carried at our waist to find whether the blades
worked easily in their sheaths, it was because we expected to use them,
and knew that our only hope to return alive was by a prompt employment
of the deadly weapons when an encounter took place.

It was near nine o'clock when we halted upon the outskirts of the dark
forest. Hardly a ray of the hot sun penetrated the woods; all was gloomy
and silent. Occasionally a parrot upon the borders of the forest uttered
a shrill scream, and then spreading its gaudy wings sought shelter upon
the bough of a tall tree, from whence it could watch our movements
without danger.

The hound, which we had taken with us, ran with his nose close to the
ground, sometimes moving within a few feet of the trees, and then
starting off, scouring the prairie in his search, but always returning,
until he suddenly stopped before what seemed a dense thicket. During all
the time that he had been upon the scent not a cry had escaped him;
indeed, he seemed to realize that silence was our only safety, and acted
accordingly.

"The dog has found the trail of the bushrangers," the convict said,
suddenly halting, and waiting for the rest of us to join him.

"The dog is keen on the scent, and acts as though trained to track
runaways," cried Smith, resting his heavy axe upon the ground, and
rubbing his shoulder where the skin was nearly worn off by friction.

The animal bounded towards us, wagged his tail, looked into our faces
with his knowing eyes, and then trotted slowly back to the thicket
before which he had halted in the first place.

"Don't let us stand here all day under this broiling sun," cried Fred,
impatiently. "If we are to search for bushrangers, let's begin and get
through with the job as soon as possible."

"There is no haste," cried the aged convict, in a tone of reproach. "Our
success depends upon the degree of caution that we employ. Our object is
to surprise the party we are in pursuit of, and not let them surprise
us."

"O, I understand," replied Fred, indifferently; "something of the Indian
style of warfare, hey? Well, we are somewhat used to that, and can
follow a trail as well as any amateur hunters in the country."

The convict made no reply, but examined the priming of his gun,
tightened the sash which he wore around his waist, and then, briefly
surveying the little party, as though calculating on the relative
strength of each man, he moved forward.

We gained the thicket, where the dog was awaiting us. No entrance
through the dense undergrowth met our view; and had we not known that
the dog came from a breed of hounds that never deceive, we should have
deemed it impossible for human beings to have entered the forest in that
direction.

For some time we examined the premises to find an opening; but none
appearing, Smith swung his axe over his head and let its sharp edge
strike the bushes, intending to cut a passage. As if by magic the boughs
gave way, and we discovered an opening which bore the appearance of
having been frequently used.

A brief examination convinced us of the fact. The branches of young
trees and the tops of the bushes were so interlaced that no one would
have suspected that an entrance into the forest was possible in that
quarter. It proved to us that we were near the encampment of
bushrangers, but whether the party we were in pursuit of, was more than
we could tell.

We motioned to the hound to lead the way, and the noble animal, after a
brief examination of the ground, trotted slowly forward.

Our steps were taken with caution, for we wished to come upon the
outlaws unexpectedly.

For ten minutes we continued our silent march, the dog leading the way
with unwavering instinct, avoiding the thickets and dense growth of
trees,--hardly noticing the small wild animals of the hare species that
ran before his very nose,--until he suddenly stopped and looked into our
faces, as much as to say, "Now, pray be cautious."

"Hist!" cried the convict, who led the way, holding up his finger. "I
smell smoke."

"And I can see it," replied Fred, pointing to an opening in the trees
nearly a quarter of a mile distant.

We all strained our eyes in the direction that Fred indicated, and I no
longer doubted that we were in the vicinity of an encampment, although
neither Smith nor the convict was ready to testify that they saw signs
of fire.

"I call my eyes as clear and keen as most any one's," Smith said; "but
if you can see smoke it's more than I can do."

"My eyes are not so good as they were twenty years back, and I trust
more to the scent than the sight. Now I can smell smoke, but see none,"
the aged convict said, inhaling his breath as though trying to
distinguish from what direction it came.

"You Englishmen have never lived in one of our American forests, or you
would be better acquainted with the appearance of smoke when it came
from a fire that has long been neglected and is about dying out. I will
wager a pound of good rifle powder that in yonder clearing we shall find
a camp of bushrangers, and that the smoke which we see comes from the
fire they made when they returned from their nocturnal excursion last
night."

"You may be right," the convict said, in a musing tone. "If we are," he
continued, "in close proximity to those we seek, what do you advise?"

"I would advise a seperation of forces--let Jack and myself approach the
encampment in one direction, while you and Smith can steal towards it
from another. There are many reasons why we should act in this manner,
and you do not need my advice to be convinced of its force."

"May the God of battles aid us," muttered the convict, _sotto voce_, as
though fearful we should catch his words and fears. "I see," he
continued, "the force of your reasoning. When you are ready for the
attack, discharge your rifles, and mind and not waste a single shot."

The convict stalked on as he ceased speaking, following the lead of the
dog. We were about to start in a different direction, but still verging
towards the smoke, when we were detained by a few words from Smith.

"Remember, boys," he hurriedly whispered, "that if any thing occurs, you
are to take charge of my property and remit the sale of it to my mother.
She is somewhere, in London, I believe. Take care of yourselves, and
remember that it was not I that proposed this confounded excursion."

He squeezed our hands as he spoke, and the next minute we lost sight of
his burly form as he followed in the wake of the convict.

Still keeping the smoke in view, Fred and myself struck off in another
direction. We carefully picked our way through the forest, hardly making
noise enough to alarm the numerous birds that were perched upon the
trees, in the deep shade, to avoid the heat of the sun. Not a dry stick
was trodden upon to send forth its crackling sound--not a bough was
brushed past rudely for fear its waving top should give an alarm.
Silently we stole along, and were, as we thought, near the camp. We
crept upon our hands and knees until we came in sight of an open space,
and then upon the first glance we knew that we were close to a gang of
bushrangers.

In the middle of the clearing was a low hut, covered with the hides of
bullocks, which were nailed on shingle fashion, for the purpose of
excluding rain. The logs did not fit very snugly together on the sides
of the cabin, and grass was crowded into the chinks, although in some
places it had been pushed out as for the purpose of enabling those
within to take a survey of the different approaches to the hut. A fire
was smoking before the door, looking as though it had been kindled many
hours before and allowed to die out for want of fuel.

The only other sign of life was a grass hammock, which swung from the
branch of a tree, not more than four feet from the ground, and which
appeared to contain some person who was sleeping. For ten minutes after
we reached our allotted station we waited for Smith and the convict to
gain a position and give the signal for an attack.

[Illustration: Throwing down the weapon with an oath, the ruffian drew a
long knife; but before he had an opportunity to use it, the heavy axe
descended upon his unprotected head, and crashing through skull and
brains, it clove him to the chin. Page 66.]

There were no signs of them, and we began to fear that they had strayed
from the right path, when a small kangaroo dog walked lazily from the
cabin and stood near the door, as though debating whether he should
return and finish his nap or exercise in the open air. He was not long
in making up his mind, for his keen scent detected something in the
atmosphere that was not right; and where we were lying we could see his
sharp eyes glance suspiciously around, and saw the stiff hair upon his
back rise as though getting ready to meet the danger that was near at
hand.

There was suddenly a bay--a loud, angry bark, and then the hound which
had belonged to the murdered man bounded into the enclosure and fastened
his strong teeth into the neck of the dog, the latter hardly offering
battle so sudden was the onslaught.

There was a yelp of pain as the hound shook the smaller animal in his
strong jaws, and that cry raised an alarm that brought half a dozen men,
with long red and black beards, and repulsive faces, to the door of the
hut.

We saw their look of surprise as their eyes alighted upon the fighting
dogs--we saw them glance hastily around, and raise their guns, which
they carried in their hands, as though to get ready for a sudden attack;
and while we were in a state of uncertainty, and almost ready to
commence the fight, a tall, powerful-built man, with heavy beard and
long hair, rolled from the hammock in which he had been swinging, and
rushed towards the yelping brutes.

"Whose dog is that?" he shouted, "and why do you stand there like a pack
of fools, allowing them to make noise enough to wake the whole forest?
We shall have the beaks upon us if this continues;" and as he spoke, he
raised the branch of a tree which was lying near the fire, and lifting
it as easily as a common man would a walking stick, he struck at the
hound, who still held the kangaroo dog by the throat, and growled at his
slightest movement as though he feared that one of the parties concerned
in his master's murder would escape.

I held my breath while the huge club was suspended in the air, wielded,
I knew full well, by the strong arms of Black Darnley. Twice I raised my
rifle to my shoulder; and thought to interpose against what I considered
certain death to the brute, but a fear that Smith and the convict were
not at their stations prevented me.

I almost shouted a warning to the dog as the club descended, but my
fears were vain; for the animal sprang aside, and the stick fell heavily
upon the sharp-nosed dog of the bushrangers. He gave one yell, and was
crushed into a shapeless mass.

The ruffian uttered an oath of rage; but before he could renew the
attack the hound flew full at him, and fastened his long fangs into
Darnley's throat. The latter staggered back, surprised at the sudden
attack, but only for an instant. His stout hands were quickly raised,
and then his grasp encompassed the dog's throat so tightly that his eyes
nearly started from their sockets, and he was glad to unclinch his
teeth, and gasp for breath.

Full at arm's length did Darnley hold the animal, and we could see a
grim smile steal over his face as he thought of the pain he was
inflicting. The gang started forward to assist the ruffian, but with an
oath he bade them keep back and let him alone. I feared the dog's life
was short, and determined to save it, but I was anticipated.

I heard the sharp crack of Fred's rifle close by my side, and following
the direction of his aim, I saw Darnley loosen his hold of the dog,
stagger back, press one hand upon his side as though he felt a sudden
pain; but still he kept his feet, and waved to his gang encouragement,
while his voice exclaimed,--

"The beaks are upon us, d----n 'em; show no quarter or mercy; fight till
you die, or you'll all be hanged."

He staggered towards the hut as he spoke, but in trying to keep his
balance, removed his hand from his side. A torrent of blood gushed
forth, and dyed the ground a scarlet hue; he strove to keep upon his
feet, but his strength was ebbing fast, and with a reel and lurch, like
some strong ship before foundering, he fell to the ground, never to rise
again.

His gang had rushed into the hut upon the first discharge, leaving their
leader alone, unsupported; but as he fell, they issued forth, each armed
with muskets and long pistols, and a profusion of knives.

"Fire," whispered Fred, as he hastily loaded his rifle.

I disliked the idea of shedding blood, and hesitated; but before Fred
had driven his rifle ball home there was a discharge opposite to us, and
another bushranger fell bleeding to the ground.

They raised a startling yell for vengeance, and rushed towards the spot
where the smoke was ascending from the discharged musket. Before they
had reached half way across the clearing, Fred and myself poured in our
deadly fire, and two more of the escaped convicts fell mortally wounded.

They were then seized with a panic, and separating, each one seemed
determined to seek safety in flight; but before they gained the shelter
of the woods our revolvers were brought into requisition, and one more
ravisher was made to bite the dust.

"May the God of Israel give us strength to kill them," shouted the
convict, bursting through the thick bushes with his long gun in hand,
and his white hair streaming over his shoulders.

"No mercy to the scoundrels," cried Smith, waving his heavy axe over his
head, and advancing at a run in pursuit.

That cry came near being his last; for one of the bushrangers, seeing
that he had no gun, suddenly turned in his flight, and raising his
musket, presented it full at the broad breast of Smith. The latter did
not falter or dodge, but rushed towards the robber with uplifted axe,
uttering, as he advanced, a wild cry that startled me, it was so loud
and shrill, and sounded like the last yell of a dying man in agony.

I feared to see the villain discharge his musket, for I knew that Smith
was so near that he could not well be missed. I would have shot the
fellow myself, but my rifle was empty; still thinking to save him, I ran
hastily towards the parties; but before I had advanced ten steps I saw
the bushranger's musket flash in the pan, but no report followed. His
gun had missed fire.

Throwing down the weapon with an oath, the ruffian drew a long knife;
but before he had an opportunity to use it the heavy axe descended upon
his unprotected head, and crashing through skull and brains, it clove
him to the chine.

With no groan or word he fell; and when I reached the side of Smith
there was not another bushranger left to battle with. We were masters of
the field, and not one of us had received a wound.

"Let us praise God for this victory," cried the aged convict, removing
his apology for a hat, and casting his eyes heavenward.

"Humph," grunted Smith; "we'd better make preparations for quitting
these woods, instead of praying, according to my fancy."

"To Him alone belongs the praise for this day's work--for this mighty
triumph," cried the old man, whose religious feelings were all awakened
by the carnage.

"I don't dispute that the Lord lent his aid, but to my mind, if it
hadn't been for these two Americans, he'd deserted us in the hour of
need. Two good rifle shots are a great help towards obtaining a
victory," exclaimed Smith, wiping his axe of the crimson gore which
still adhered to it, and glancing around the clearing, as though he
expected there might be more bushrangers starting up to offer battle at
any moment.

"The Almighty is powerful, and can crush at his pleasure."

"We all know that," cried Smith, impatiently, "but to my mind it's
better to examine yonder hut, and then make our way back to the team as
fast as possible, for there's no knowing how soon we may have a new gang
to contend with."

His advice appeared so reasonable that we instantly prepared to follow
it; but first we stopped by the side of Black Darnley, and examined to
see whether he was dead. The rifle ball had made sure work, having
passed through his left side in the direction of his heart, and made its
exit below the ribs opposite. On the dark face of the dead man was a
look of defiance, as though even in his death-struggle he had tried to
gain his feet, and to face his enemies with his latest breath.

I removed the pistols which he wore in his belt, and as no one presented
a better claim for them than Fred and myself, I divided with him; and
during our long sojourn in Australia, he kept one, and I the other. He
still clings to his, while I have deposited mine in the office of the
American Union, as a sort of memento of times long past.

A visit to the hut was next paid, and there, heaped up in a corner, we
not only found the goods which were stolen from Smith's cart, but
numerous other articles; and while we were sorting them, I kicked aside
some dirt, and saw a flat stone. Curiosity prompted me to move it, and
underneath was a hoard of gold dust, gold coins, silver dollars, and
English shillings and half crowns, the whole amounting to about two
thousand pounds.

Without stopping to divide it, we gathered it up with the most
convenient articles for carrying away, and then setting fire to the hut,
left it blazing, knowing full well that those of the gang who escaped
would return before long with reënforcements, and that our lives were
not worth much if we were taken by surprise.

We gained the open prairie, and without stopping to rest, continued our
march, until we reached the hut of the convict stockman. The daughter of
the latter came out to us, and as she laid her hand upon her father's
arm, she whispered,--

"Is he dead?"

He nodded his head, and then I saw a gleam of satisfaction cross her
face, as she thought of her injuries, and the prompt manner in which
they had been avenged.




CHAPTER IX.

THE STOCKMAN'S DAUGHTER.--MOUNTED POLICE OF MELBOURNE.


The day after our return from the excursion in pursuit of bushrangers,
the cattle were yoked together, and had been attached to the cart for an
hour, before the convict issued from his hut.

Twice had Smith cracked his long whip, each time crushing large green
flies that had alighted on the flank of the nearest ox, and yet the lash
so lightly fell that not a hair of the animal was ruffled, or a particle
of pain inflicted. I never understood the science of using a whip until
I learned it upon the plains of Australia, and saw stockmen, with one
wave of their weapon, cut chips of hide and quivering flesh from the
panting sides of frightened or contrary cattle.

As the convict advanced to meet us, Smith rose from his seat with an
expression of gratitude at the prospect of soon being enabled to move.

"Well," said Smith, speaking first, "you see we are ready to start, yet
we could not go without bidding you good-by."

"I have much to thank you for," he said, his eyes cast to the ground as
though fearful of looking up and exposing the weakness which oozed from
them, and wet his long gray beard. "My child thanks you all for the
promptness with which you have revenged her wrongs; and to these two
Americans she says, that her prayers shall ever ascend for your safe
return to your country, and that happiness may await you when you have
rejoined the friends of your childhood."

"Can we bid her farewell, at parting?" asked Fred.

"If you wish it, yes," answered the convict: "but I have prayed with her
all night, and have besought the Lord to strengthen her heart under this
load of affliction. She is calm now, and when you speak do not allude to
her bereavement, or recall yesterday's bloody tragedy."

As he ceased speaking, he returned to the hut, and emerged leading the
widow. Her looks were much changed since we had seen her the day before.
Weeping and fasting, and sleepless nights, and above all, the thoughts
of her husband's sudden death, had so preyed upon her spirits that she
seemed like another person.

"Here are the two Americans, child, who wish to bid you farewell," her
father said, when he saw that she was disposed to pay no attention to
us.

Twice did he speak before she comprehended him; and after she had placed
her hands to her head, as though to recall a recollection of our
features, a faint look of recognition came over her face, and her leaden
eyes were lighted up with some such expression as we had seen the day
before, when she asked if Black Darnley was dead.

"You are sure that he is dead?" she asked in a low whisper, seizing Fred
by the arm, and gazing into his blank-looking face.

"Whom do you mean?" Fred inquired, evading her question.

"You know; Black Darnley,--the wretch who killed my husband, and injured
me. You look like him; but your face is not so black, and your hair is
lighter. But you may have changed it for the purpose of deceiving and
wronging me again. Ah, the more I look at you the firmer am I convinced
that you are the wretch."

She pushed his arm away, and turned with flashing eyes upon her parent,
speaking vehemently,--

"You told me that Darnley was dead, and that my injuries were avenged;
and yet you see him standing before you alive, and insulting me with
infamous propositions. Have I no friend here to protect me?"

"We are all your friends," I replied, in a soothing tone.

"It is false! There is not a man here, or Black Darnley would not live
to see another sun. Men, indeed? Ha, ha! my husband possesses more
spirit than a dozen of you."

She folded her arms, and rocked her body to and fro, shaking her head,
and muttering incoherent sentences, with her eyes fixed upon the ground
intently, as though trying, amid the dirt, to discover the blood of her
destroyer.

Poor Fred, who looked about as much like Black Darnley as the man in the
moon, turned slightly red with mortification; and to this hour, an
allusion to his wonderful likeness to the celebrated bushranger is sure
to bring on a fit of the sulks that will last a day or two.

Fred retired as soon as he found that his presence irritated the unhappy
woman, who, it was very evident, was slightly deranged by her
accumulation of trouble.

"We are all friends here," I said, at length, "and are willing to do
your bidding. See, here is your father; and do you think he would stand
unmoved in the presence of a man who had wronged you. You must surely
recollect my face. Look at me closely."

"Ah, I do remember you now," she cried.

"That's right," I said, encouragingly. "I thought you would know the man
you had leaned upon and talked with on the night--"

Before I had a chance to finish my remarks, with a wild, mad cry, she
sprang forward, and, with a movement like lightning, drew my bowie
knife, which was stuck in a belt around my waist, and had not Smith
intercepted the blow I should not now be writing sketches about my
adventures.

In spite of his interference, however, the knife, sharp as a razor and
ground to a point like a needle, fell upon my unprotected forehead and
opened a gash two inches long, almost penetrating the brain. The hot
blood blinded me for a moment as it gushed from the wound. I staggered
back from the unexpected attack, but before the mad woman had an
opportunity to repeat the blow, my faithful friend was by my side, and
had wrenched the steel from her hand.

"Ha, ha!" she shrieked; "blood!--blood!--his blood flows freely, and I
avenge my own wrongs. Look at him bleed!--'twas my hand that struck him,
and now he'll die like a dog. I triumph--I--I--"

She could say no more, but fell back in convulsions. Smith caught her in
his strong arms, and was about to bear her into the house, when he was
interrupted by what appeared like so many apparitions.

Mounted upon strong, well-trained horses, were a dozen of the mounted
police of Melbourne, who, during our interview with the convict's
daughter, had stolen upon us unperceived, and had formed a circle in
which we were the centre, to prevent an escape had we been so disposed.
So quiet had they ridden, that it seemed as though they had sprung from
the ground at the command of some genii of the lamp.

We did not form a very prepossessing group, and, at first, much less
suspicious people than police officers would have imagined that
something was wrong.

"Hello!" cried the man who appeared to command the squad, riding towards
us; "what have we here--a wounded man and a dead woman. Whose work is
this?"

"We can explain this to those having authority to ask," cried Fred,
carelessly throwing his rifle across his arm; yet it was done in such a
manner that the officer reined his horse back several paces, and
shouted,--

"Ready with your carbines, men!--we have fallen upon a gang of
bushrangers."

I heard the ominous click of the locks of the guns, and cleared the
blood from my eyes to get a view of our assailants.

"We are no bushrangers," shouted Smith, starting forward and fronting
the officer. "You should know my face, lieutenant," he continued, to the
man in command.

"Ah, Smith, is it you?" the lieutenant said, in a sort of patronizing
way, and riding forward. "Put up your guns, men; we are not among
bushrangers, I think." And in obedience to his command, the men slung
the carbines at their backs, and rode forward.

"What is the matter with that fellow?" the officer of police asked,
pointing to me.

"He was just injured by a knife, sir, in the hands of this woman, who
has lost her reason," answered Smith, in the most obsequious manner.

"Lost her reason, hey," said the lieutenant, carelessly. "Then she has
no business here; or rather I should say that no persons of sense would
be here if they could help it."

The mounted troop laughed, as in duty bound, and even Smith suffered his
features to relax in token of appreciation of the officer's
facetiousness.

"Where are you two fellows from?" inquired the lieutenant, turning
towards Fred and myself abruptly.

By this time I had bound up my head with a handkerchief, and wiped some
of the blood from my face. The wound had nearly ceased bleeding, thanks
to some lint which I always carried about me.

"Are you talking to me?" asked Fred, in a careless tone.

"To whom else?--speak!" cried the officer, impatiently.

"Perhaps you would not know where the place is located, even if I told
you its name," replied Fred, with provoking indifference.

"I am the best judge of that," answered the lieutenant, turning red in
the face.

"O, you are?" Fred laughed.

Smith, who had acted in a nervous manner ever since the conversation
commenced, approached and whispered in Fred's ear,--

"Speak civilly to him, or he may take you to Melbourne."

This, instead of having the desired effect on Fred, only rendered him
the more impudent; for he didn't relish being called "fellow," even if
he had on a flannel shirt.

"Will you tell me where you belong?" demanded the officer, angrily.

"O, certainly."

"Well, where?"

"Have you ever heard of such a place as Boston?" Fred asked.

"Yes--it is in England."

"Not the Boston that I mean," Fred exclaimed, drawing up his form to its
full height. "I mean Boston near Bunker Hill."

A sudden change came over the lieutenant's face. The dark frown passed
away, and a smile crossed his sunburnt countenance.

"You are Americans?" he asked, with an air of politeness.

"We claim that land as our home," Fred answered.

"I might have guessed as much, for you both carry an emblem of your
country."

He pointed to our rifles and smiled. We saw that he was disposed to be
rational, and therefore laid aside our reserve.

"There are but few of our people," I said, "but know how to handle these
weapons; and it's rare that they venture into an unknown country without
one for a companion."

"I think so; for I have met a number of Americans in Australia, and yet
every one clings to his rifle. But, while we are talking, the woman is
suffering. Maurice, assist to take her into the hut, and open a vein if
you think it necessary."

The man addressed as Maurice gave his bridle to a companion and
dismounted. The convict and the stranger raised her in their arms, and
removed the unfortunate beneath the rude roof, where at least she could
be screened from the sun.

"Well, Smith, what is there new in these parts?" inquired the
lieutenant, carelessly. "Seen any thing of Black Darnley and his gang,
lately? I understand that you have been seen conversing with him a
number of times recently. Take care--I give you fair warning; if I
report you, your ticket of leave is withdrawn."

"But you wouldn't do that?" cried Smith, his face showing the alarm
which he felt at the threat.

"I don't know but that it will be my duty to do so before long," cried
the officer, shaking his head like a petty tyrant, who wished to inspire
fear.

"I have been two days on the road," he continued, "searching for his
gang. If you can give me any information, Smith, that is of real value,
why, perhaps--"

"But I can give information," cried Smith, who, awed by the great man's
presence, appeared to have forgotten all about the death of Darnley.

"Ah! of the scamp's gang?" the officer asked, with eagerness.

"Where are they?" demanded the lieutenant, leading Smith one side.

"Six of them are dead--and with them, Black Darnley," cried Smith.

"You are trifling with me," said the officer, sternly.

"No--upon my word; but ask the Americans, they will tell you all."

"Is it so?" asked the policeman, turning towards us with an air entirely
changed from that with which he had first addressed us.

We confirmed the report, and gave the particulars.

He listened to us with astonishment; and yet his wonder was not unmixed
with admiration. I saw him try to suppress that feeling, but it would
find vent, John Bull like, and with an oath he exclaimed,--

"By G----! you Americans are a wonderful people. You seek adventures
with as much gusto as a knight-errant of the olden times. If I had a
dozen such as you two under my charge, I'd soon free this neighborhood
of bushrangers."

"There would be but one difficulty," answered Fred, with a laugh.

"And pray what is that?" asked the lieutenant.

"Why, Yankees have a great desire to lead, instead of being led."

He drew us one side, so that his men could not overhear his remarks, and
said,--

"Of course you knew that a large reward was offered for the death of
Darnley and his gang."

We reiterated our ignorance, and the officer looked at us in
astonishment.

"Then let me give you joy--for you have completed one of the best day's
work that you ever began. Give me the proof that Darnley and his gang
are dead, and I will put you in the way of obtaining the reward."

"We did not sell our rifles for gold," replied Fred, "but to assist an
old man to revenge his daughter's injuries. If you can serve Smith and
the old convict, we will willingly forego all thoughts of a reward."

In a few words we stated the case, and put him in possession of the
facts relative to our taking up arms. He listened to us patiently, and
when we had finished, said,--

"If you can give convincing proof that the gang of bushrangers has been
broken up, I can certainly promise you a free, unconditional pardon for
Smith and the stockman. But I must first see the bodies of the dead men,
and have your certificate of the gallantry of the parties named."

"How can we manage that?" we asked.

"By delaying your journey, and accompanying me to the spot."

Fred and myself consulted for a moment and agreed to do so. A day or a
week was nothing to us, if Smith could be made a free man. We called to
him:--

"Smith," said Fred, "do you wish a pardon from government?"

The poor fellow flushed red in the face, and then the blood receded and
left his cheeks pallid as death.

"If you wish a free and unconditional pardon, you must go with us back
to the haunts of Darnley," Fred said.

The tears started to his eyes with delight, and for a moment he was
incapable of motion; but in another second he bounded to the side of the
cattle, and with nervous fingers was unhitching the yokes and turning
the brutes loose upon the wide prairies, to feed upon the rank grasses
which abounded on the sides of the stream.




CHAPTER X.

DESPERATE DEEDS OF TWO CONVICTS.--LIEUT. MURDEN'S STORY.


The sun was pouring down with Australian brilliancy and power, but we
cared but little for the heat, if we could gain the scene of the battle
before a gang of bushrangers reached the spot, and concealed the bodies.
It was, therefore, with considerable uneasiness that we saw the
lieutenant of police coolly dismount from his horse, throw the bridle to
one of his men, with directions to remove the saddles from the animals,
and let them drink their fill at the stream, and afterwards be allowed
to graze on the rank grass.

"How is this?" I asked; "are we not to start immediately? Delays are
dangerous."

"Patience, my friends," returned the officer, leading the way towards
the stockman's hut. "I value your lives too much to think of asking you
to undertake a jaunt of twelve or thirteen miles at noonday, when the
sun is hottest."

"But we are capable of the task," replied Fred, energetically.

"I have no doubt of it, gentlemen; but if you can endure heat and
privation, my men and horses cannot. Why, before we could gain the edge
of yonder wood, half of the men would be sun-struck, and two-thirds of
the animals would expire for the want of water. No, no, trust to me, and
let us take the cool of the evening."

"But we shall reach the woods too late to make an investigation," I
said.

"It is very probable," answered the officer, entering the hut, where the
convict's daughter was lying on a rude bedstead, made of the skin of an
ox.

"But have you no fear of an ambuscade?" exclaimed Fred, who began to
entertain an opinion that the lieutenant was not well posted on the
subject of bush-fighting.

"Not in the least," replied the Englishman, removing his coat and heavy
sword belt, and stretching himself on a box.

"O, then you will keep skirmishers in advance of the main body, I
suppose?" Fred said.

"No," answered the officer, lighting his pipe: and then, observing an
expression of surprise on our faces, he continued,--

"Do you take me for such a greenhorn as to suppose that I would enter a
wood after dark? No, sir; I've studied the habits and cunning of
bushrangers for many years, and seen much service during that time. I
shall start near dark, halt half a mile from the edge of the forest, and
remain there until daylight. Does that suit your ideas of our peculiar
kind of warfare?"

We could offer no objections to the plan proposed; and as we were to
spend the day in idleness, looked around the hut for something to make a
breakfast on. The policeman guessed our thoughts, for he called one of
his men, and gave him an order.

"Get coffee and breakfast ready, Maurice," he said, "and when ready,
serve it here."

The man bowed, saluted his superior, and retired with military
precision.

"An old soldier," said the lieutenant, carelessly; "he has served
through half a dozen campaigns in India."

"And did he never rise above the ranks?" I asked.

"Never obtained a position higher than that of corporal; but that is not
extraordinary in the English army. Promotion with us goes with birth and
influence, not merit and brave deeds. Maurice has distinguished himself
in many a hotly-contested field; yet now, in his old age, he draws a
trifling pension, and is glad to be enrolled in the police force of
Melbourne, where better pay and quick promotion awaits him."

"As you have been in the country for many years, suppose that you give
us a short account of your experience," cried Fred.

"Willingly; but wait until after breakfast. That woman is getting
better--hear her breath, regular and natural. Let her father come in to
tend her, if he wishes."

The latter remark was made to one of his privates, who stood at the
door, and had prevented the entrance of the aged convict. The father
entered with a humble air, and seated himself near his daughter's side.

He appeared too grateful for the privilege of thus remaining in the
presence of his superior to pay any attention to his conversation; and
when breakfast had been disposed of, and our pipes were lighted, each of
us chose a comfortable place to rest at full length on the floor of the
hut, and discuss matters and things in Australia. I found the lieutenant
a rare companion, and a man that had seen much service in the country.

"We have a number of hours to spare before we undertake our expedition,"
said Fred, during a pause in the conversation; "suppose you favor us
with a short history of some of your adventures in this country. You
have seen many years' service as a police agent, and tales of no
ordinary kind must be familiar to you."

"If I should tell you of the murders which the bushrangers sometimes
commit, when they have a thirst for blood, you would think I was
romancing," answered the officer.

We both protested against such an idea, and Lieutenant Murden--that was
his name, and I am glad to see that, since I left Melbourne, he has been
promoted to a captaincy--knocked the ashes from his pipe, carefully
reloaded it, told the sentinel at the door to keep his eyes open, and
not let a gang of robbers approach the hut unperceived, wet his lips
with the contents of a flask, which he carried about his person, lighted
his pipe with a match, and then began.

       *       *       *       *       *

LIEUTENANT MURDEN'S STORY.

"Not long since, the whole police force of the country was thrown into a
state of great excitement and vigilance, owing to the desperate deeds of
two convicts, who seized a schooner on the coast, compelled the crew, on
the pain of instant death, to navigate her to a distant part of the
island, and by keeping their guns pointed at the heads of the
frightened men, and relieving each other at the task, were enabled to
accomplish their ends.

"The convicts were landed, and to repay the sailors for their kindness
and forbearance, they shot the two men that rowed them ashore; and, from
the time that they set foot on land, until the day of their death, their
course was marked with blood.

"They took the life of every human being that stood in their way. The
most unreasonable request, if there was a moment's hesitation, was
rewarded with a bullet; and it seemed as though demons, not men, were
thirsting for the blood which was shed so profusely.

"The news of the murderers' doings was brought post haste to Melbourne,
and I and my troop were ordered to start immediately for the bush, and
secure them, dead or alive. Extraordinary powers were granted me by the
government. I could take horses or cattle, or even press men into my
service, if I thought desirable, for the purpose of capturing the
bushrangers. Hardly a moment of preparation was allowed me, beyond the
choice of twelve men, whom I knew I could rely upon; and even while I
was conversing with the superintendent, another messenger arrived with
the news of fresh butcheries, more bloody and brutal than the last.

"At eight on the evening of the day that I was ordered to take my
departure, my troop was leaving Melbourne on the road leading towards
Ballarat, in which direction I learned the convicts were travelling.

"At two o'clock we halted at a cattle station; and while some of our men
changed saddles from our tired horses to fresh ones, the remainder
cooked a kettle of coffee, and broiled a piece of beef, to stay our
stomachs during our long ride. From the stockman we obtained some
information, as the bushrangers had visited his cattle station two days
before, selected what animals they wished, and then shot the companion
of the man we were conversing with.

"At seven o'clock we again halted at a cattle station, but for ten
minutes we could not find a soul to answer our questions. We searched
the hut and an adjoining piece of woods, in hope of finding somebody who
would give us a little information. As time was precious, however, I was
on the point of borrowing what animals I wanted, when two of my men
brought in a native, half dead with fear. He had been found secreted
under some brush in the woods, and all our persuasions could hardly
convince him that his life was not in danger.

"After an immense amount of questioning, I learned that the two
murderers had visited the cattle station the day before, had shot the
keeper, and would have killed the native had he not fled to the woods
for protection. After the deed, they ransacked the hut thoroughly,
possessed themselves of a quantity of rum which they found, renewed
their supply of ammunition, mounted fresh horses, and were off in the
direction of Ballarat at full gallop, according to the account of the
native.

"It only remained for us to follow as fast as possible. In twelve hours
we had travelled a distance of one hundred miles; and although we felt
the want of rest, yet I knew that time was too precious to waste in
sleep. A hasty breakfast, and we were off; but before we had rode twelve
miles our attention was attracted near the roadside by seeing a flock of
birds hovering in the air and uttering shrill cries. I endeavored to
get my horse to approach the place, but with starting eyes and every
indication of terror, he refused to move.

"I dismounted, and entered the hushes, and found my suspicions
confirmed. Two men were lying dead on the ground, both with bullet holes
through their heads. I made a short examination, and satisfied myself
that the murders were committed the day before, and that the bodies were
dragged amongst the bushes, after being robbed of every thing valuable
about their persons.

"Time was too precious to give Christian burial to the dead men, even if
we had had the proper tools to open the earth. With a sigh, we left the
birds their prey, and once more continued our journey through the
wildest part of the sterile country between Melbourne and Ballarat.

"On, on, we went, urging our panting, tired beasts without mercy; and
just as we thought we should have to halt, to allow the animals a
resting spell, we reached the large cattle station of Witon Martells.
Here we found every thing in confusion; and although usually half a
dozen men were employed at the station, only two came out to greet us,
and they wore frightened visages.

"We soon heard their story. The murderers had rode up to the hut about
six o'clock the evening before, and wished to exchange horses. The
stockmen refused; and hardly were the words from their mouths before one
of the convicts drew a revolver, and fired upon those standing in front
of him; and while he was thus amusing himself, his companion sat on his
horse, and laughed to see those not instantly killed endeavor to get
away! Three men fell under the fire, and hardly knew what caused their
death, it was so sudden. One man, mortally wounded, was just dying as we
rode up; and the two that came to greet us had saved their lives by
taking to their heels, and entering the bush.

"They had watched the convicts pick from the herd of horses the most
able and strongest nags, and then, after eating what they could find
ready cooked in the hut, started for Ballarat, where, no doubt, amongst
the crowd of miners, they thought they would escape detection.

"Throughout the long night we spurred onward, and when daylight
appeared, tired and sore with our journey, we stopped at another station
to change horses. The murderers had left their mark at that place also,
and in front of the door was the stockman shot through the heart, and
stone dead.

"The men selected a number of animals, and after our never-failing
stimulant, a cup of coffee, and a piece of broiled meat, we were in the
saddle again, and galloping towards the next station, where I knew it
would be impossible for the convicts to obtain fresh horses, as sheep
only were kept there.

"At twelve o'clock we reached the station, and drew up at the door.
There was no sign of life about the premises, and with sad misgivings, I
dismounted, and entered the hut; but I started back in horror, for on
the floor were a dozen men, motionless and lifeless, as I at first
thought; but a closer examination convinced me that they were bound hand
and foot, and their mouths gagged.

"It may seem to you incredible, but it is nevertheless true, and only
proves what resolute men can accomplish when opposed to weakness.
Twelve men were surprised and bound, and made to lie flat on their backs
at the word of command, and so well did they obey the instructions of
the murderers, that the latter, very probably, were too much pleased
with their compliance to waste powder on them.

"I did not upbraid them with their cowardice, for I know what human
nature is, and perhaps, had I been of the party, I might have submitted
to the same degradation.

"There was one thing that I learned from the released prisoners that
pleased me. The convicts had left their horses at the station, and
expressed a determination to return in a few hours' time for them. Where
the villains had gone they did not know, or in what direction they
departed. A native, however, who was employed at the station, searched
for their footsteps, and was not long in finding them.

"The trail led to the woods, and the men stationed at the hut expressed
an opinion that the convicts were in search of a gang of bushrangers,
that had been secreted in the vicinity for many months, but had recently
disbanded, and gone to the mines.

"I expected that the murderers would return to the hut for their horses,
when they found that the men they wished to join were no longer
organized as a gang; so bidding the men conceal the horses, and retire
within the walls of the stock-house, I waited hour after hour for them
to come in sight.

"About four o'clock, my wish was gratified. Two stout, black-whiskered,
desperate looking men, with rifles in their hands, and revolvers in
their belts, came in sight, and advanced towards the hut, conversing in
earnest tones, and apparently unsuspicious of the change that had taken
place during their absence.

"I can only account for their boldness in returning, by the supposition
that they had been so long accustomed to see men tremble when they
raised their deadly weapons, that they were regardless whether the
prisoners had released themselves or not.

"In fact, when the two convicts were advancing, I looked around on the
numerous stockmen, and was surprised to see that they trembled and
turned pale; and yet they were surrounded by twelve policemen, as brave
as Melbourne could produce.

"When the convicts were within a dozen paces of the door, they suddenly
stopped, surprised by the number of prints of horses' feet which they
discovered in the soft earth. They glanced suspiciously at the hut, and
cocked their rifles, and debated the question as to whether they should
advance or retire.

"The latter course was decided on, and as they turned to go, I ordered
half a dozen of our light carbines to be discharged at their retreating
forms.

"The effect was like magic, for, although both were wounded, yet instead
of endeavoring to make their escape, they turned towards the hut, and
charged towards it with a cheer and a yell, as though determined to have
blood for their injuries.

"Almost before the remainder of my men could bring their guns to a cock,
the villains were upon us, discharging their revolvers to the right and
left, and creating such a scene of confusion as I never witnessed
before. The stockmen endeavored to make their escape from the windows,
and those who could not squeeze through, tried to shelter themselves
behind my men, and some of the cowards even seized the police around
their waists, and held them as shields to ward off the shots which were
flying thick in that little square room, densely crowded with human
beings.

"I saw two of my men fall, owing to the struggle which the station men
made to escape, and then fearful that we should all be defeated and
murdered, I seized a carbine that one of my people had dropped, and with
a blow, I struck one of the murderers senseless to the ground.

"The remaining one fought like a demon. After discharging the contents
of two revolvers which he carried about his person, he drew his bowie
knife and rushed into our midst, cutting to the right and left; and so
impetuous was his onset that we fell back a few feet, which the villain
seeing, turned and attempted to escape. Before he had taken two stops
towards the door, my men recovered from their surprise, and rushed upon
him. He fought like a devil, and his knife was red with the heart's
blood of one of my bravest men, before he was lying powerless, with
irons on his hands and ankles, at our feet.

"The villain that I had struck senseless, now began to show signs of
animation; but before he had recovered, he was loaded down with irons,
and a watch placed over both, with orders to blow their brains out if
they made the least attempt to escape.

"You would hardly expect that men, conquered as they were, and
momentarily expecting death at our hands, would have the hardihood to
boast of their deeds, and plan other crimes in case of their escape. Yet
those convicts dared to tell me to my face that we should never live to
reach Melbourne, and death was far from their thoughts.

"I had a great mind to end their days on the spot; but doubtful of my
authority in the premises, and fearing their deaths would be the subject
of a judicial examination, prevented me. My men, half of them wounded,
and three dead, were frantic for the villains' blood, and it was with
difficulty that I could restrain them.

"I attended to the injuries of the men as well as I was able, and then
making the stockmen provide as good a supper as they could get, we
satisfied our appetites; but even while doing so, sleep overpowered us,
so tired were we with our long journey.

"I determined to halt for that night, at the station, and let the men
get recruited. One of the stockmen and one of my men were placed on
guard over the prisoners, and relieved every two hours during the night,
with express orders to shoot them if they moved hand or foot in the way
of attempting to escape, was the means of keeping the murderers quiet,
and enabling my men to attain that rest which they stood so much in need
of.

"Not to tire you too much with minute particulars, we next day buried
our killed and started for Melbourne, where we arrived safe with our
prisoners, and a few days afterwards they were hung in the jail-yard."

"Maurice," said the lieutenant to the sentinel at the door, who had been
listening to the recital, "do you wish to meet with two more such
villains?"

"God forbid, your honor," answered Maurice, crossing himself; for he was
a devout Catholic. "I have hardly recovered the use of my arm where the
devils struck me with a knife."

By the time the lieutenant had concluded, and we had drank a strong cup
of tea, the sun was just setting behind the dark forest, which we had
penetrated the day before, and word was passed from mouth to mouth to
bring up the horses and get ready for a start.




CHAPTER XI.

SAGACITY OF A DOG.--A NIGHT'S ADVENTURES.


"Gentlemen," asked Lieutenant Murden, as the policeman brought the
horses to the door, "I hope you know how to ride."

"We have done a little in that line," answered Fred.

"Then I shall allow three of my men to remain behind, to lend the
stockman and his daughter such assistance as they may want, while Smith
and yourselves will take their animals. Now, then, mount."

We slung our rifles over our shoulders by the means of leather straps,
and in a few minutes were cantering across the prairie at an easy gait,
and in the direction of the bushrangers' late retreat.

It was near nine o'clock when we reached the edge of the forest, and
drew up near the spot where we had entered the day before by the secret
path.

The stillness of the woods was oppressive; for not a tree waved its
bough, nor did a breath of air sigh over the plain. The night owl alone
sent forth its discordant shriek, as though troubled with ominous
forebodings regarding its future fate, and was protesting against them.

"This silence is more dreadful than the howling of wolves," cried Fred,
at length, as he sat in his saddle, and regarded the dark forest before
him.

"Those trees, if they could speak, would tell of tales of blood and
cruelty, equal to that which I related yesterday," said Murden, after a
short pause.

"And do you think that there are other gangs of bushrangers concealed in
those dark recesses?" I asked.

"There must be near half a dozen different ones, for it's the most
extensive forest in Australia; and ten thousand soldiers, with every,
equipment necessary, would be obliged to retire from its shades, baffled
and defeated, before a few hundred men who knew the ground thoroughly."

"Well, let us get beyond the range of a bullet," cried the lieutenant,
after a moment's pause; and as we presented a fair mark for any robber
who might be in ambush, we were not slow to turn our horses' heads and
trot a short distance from such dangerous concealment.

We were about to dismount, and post our sentinels, when I heard a deep
bay in the direction of the stockman's hut, which recalled to my mind
the many scenes through which Fred and myself had passed since the same
sound had first broken upon our ears.

"Do you hear any thing?" I asked, of my companion, pausing to listen.

"No," he replied; "why do you inquire?"

"Did you, Smith, hear no sound that is familiar to your ear?"

"No, sir," he replied, pressing forward, "I did not hear any sound but
the shrieking of yonder owl."

"Our friend is getting nervous," cried Murden, with a laugh.

"There," I cried, suddenly, as a deep bay, many miles distant, came
floating over the prairie, "you must have heard that howl. The hound is
on our trail, and his following us at this time of night means
something."

"You are right," said Fred, quietly; "I could distinguish that dog's bay
amid a hundred. Let us return, lieutenant, and find out what has
happened at the hut."

Murden laughed at our folly, as he termed it, and could not he induced
to understand that the animal was endowed with rare instinct; and even
when we related how he had sought us out on the night that Black Darnley
had murdered his master, he tried to argue that it was purely
accidental; but even while we debated, the bays of the hound grew louder
and nearer as the scent became fresher, and while we were listening
attentively, as the animal searched along the edge of the woods for a
trail, I thought I heard the report of firearms, but at such a distance,
that I did not venture to call attention to my surmise.

In a few minutes the dog was with us, bounding towards Fred and myself,
as we sat on our horses, and seeking to attract, our attention by a
number of artifices. With a low whine, he would look in the direction of
the hut, where his mistress was supposed to be, and then trot off a
short distance, when, finding that we paid no attention to his
movements, he would return and whine as though his heart was breaking by
our coldness, in refusing to notice his appeals.

"I can't stand this any longer," cried Fred, suddenly. "Lieutenant, if
you will not lead your troop back to the stock-hut, Jack and myself will
go alone. I am satisfied that there is something wrong going on there,
and that the dog has been sent by the old convict to recall us."

"What can have happened to them since we left? There were no indications
of bushrangers in that quarter, and to return would be waste of time,"
returned the commanding officer.

"Then we will go alone. We should like Smith as a companion if you have
no objections; but as the horses are under your charge, we will leave
them, and walk to the hut. If matters are right there, we can join you
by daylight in the morning."

As Fred spoke, he dismounted, and I was about to imitate his example,
when Murden altered his mind.

"Do you think," he said, with all the warmth of an honest John Bull,
"that I will permit you two Don Quixotes to leave me, and cross this
wide prairie on foot, at this time of night. No, sirs. If you are
determined to go, thinking there is fighting, why, I am bound to
accompany you, and get my share. A quick trot, men, and keep in a
compact body."

The men, without a murmur at the sudden order, struck their spurs into
their horses' sides, and followed us at a gallop, the dog leading the
way in the direction of the stock-hut, and no longer uttering loud bays.

An hour quickly passes when there is something to occupy the mind, and
at the end of that time we were not more than half a mile from the house
which we had left at sundown.

"You see," said the lieutenant, "your surmises were groundless. We have
had our journey for nothing, and for once the dog has proved a false
prophet."

I began to fear that I had rendered myself liable to ridicule, and was
thinking how I should recede, when the sharp report of a gun was heard,
in the direction which we were travelling.

"The d----!" cried Murden, suddenly; "I know the sound of my carbines as
well as I know when pay-day comes. That gun was discharged by one of my
fellows, and there is trouble, or he would have been asleep before
this."

Three or four flashes of light were seen, and then the report of an
irregular volley was heard, as though some force outside of the hut was
firing at it from spite.

"The affair is explained," the lieutenant said; "a gang of bushrangers
have attacked the hut, and my men are defending it bravely. Forward,
men, to the rescue."

"One second," cried Fred, laying his hand on Murden's arm. "Let us
reason for a moment, because there is no pressing haste; those in the
hut can keep twenty men at bay until daylight, and I think if we use a
little stratagem, we can secure a few of the gang, and run but little
risk."

"Speak quick," cried the impatient officer, who longed to be where he
could smell the burning powder, and as another discharge of muskets was
heard, he almost broke away from the cool, indifferent Fred.

"There are two suggestions which I have to offer," Fred said. "In the
first place, the party that is attacking the station think that the
force under your charge is gone for the night."

"Well, what then?" cried Murden.

"Or else the party, not knowing that your command is near here, rallied
to avenge the death of Black Darnley and his comrades. Now, if we charge
up to the very door of the station, we shall most probably get a volley,
not only from the bushrangers, who will hear the sound of the horses'
feet, but as likely as not receive a shot from our friends."

"At any rate, we can capture two or three of the villains," cried the
officer.

"I doubt it," answered Fred. "Knowing that they will have to raise the
siege, two or three saddles will be emptied, and when we seek to return
their fire, we shan't find an enemy to contend against. They will
scatter in various directions if their force is small; and if large,
why; a bushranger is a dangerous foe, and fights with a halter around
his neck. Let us oppose craft to craft, and surprise the scamps, as they
have surprised us."

"But how?" asked Murden.

"You have never lived in a country where waging war against Indians is
regarded as mere pastime, or you would have comprehended my meaning.
Let us dismount from our horses where we are, and let my friend and
myself steal forward, and mingle with the bushrangers; or if that is
impracticable, find out their numbers, and whether they have made any
impression on the hut--where the main body is stationed, and whether
they suspect the presence of your force. An hour will be ample time to
go and return. What say you to the proposition?"

"I like it," answered the lieutenant, after a moment's musing; "but I
object to one thing."

"Name it"

"The idea of your going forward and exposing your lives in a service
that does not concern you. You remain with my men, and I alone will
venture into the midst of these villains."

"And let the Australian government lose a valued officer? No, sir, stay
with your men, and let Fred and myself do the scouting duty," I said.

"But you're not going without me," Smith exclaimed, abruptly; "I made a
bargain with you, gentlemen, to take you to the mines, and I'm not going
to lose sight of you for a moment."

"You shall go with us, Smith," we answered; and I could feel the warm
pressure of the honest fellow's hand at being allowed the privilege of
still adhering to our fortunes, although the duty which we were about to
enter upon was one fraught with no common danger.

"I don't see but that I shall be obliged to give my consent, after all,"
Murden said; "if you are rash enough to thrust your heads into the
lion's mouth, why, take my best wishes for your success, and start at
once. Ah, there speaks one of my carbines again. The garrison is on the
alert."

As we started on our expedition, the hound, which had been lying near
without a sign of impatience, bounded to his feet and led the way. We
debated for a moment as to the expediency of allowing him to accompany
us; but while discussing the question, he returned, and, as though
guessing that he was the subject of our talk, looked into our faces and
uttered a low whine.

"Let him go with us," I pleaded; "I'll warrant that he'll prove
discreet."

The animal planted his fore paws upon my shoulder, and sought to lick my
face, in gratitude. It might have been accidental, but to me it looked
as though there was something besides animal instinct in the act.

There was a unanimous vote in favor of the dog, and we once more started
on our way.

Gun after gun was discharged, both by besiegers and besieged; but as the
night was dark, and it was very evident that those in the hut did not
understand the Indian mode of warfare, of firing at the flash of their
enemies' pieces, it was pretty certain that not much harm was done to
the bushrangers.

"Come," said Fred, in a whisper, after we had watched the conflict for a
short time, "let us forward and count the number of our opponents, and
perhaps make a prisoner. Smith," he continued, addressing our stout
friend, "I need not tell you to be cautious, and make no reply if you
chance to encounter one of the scamps, and he speaks. The tones of your
voice would betray us if the party is small. Now let us move forward
and take up our positions near yonder clump of bushes by the bank of the
stream."

Fred led the way, and by his side walked the dog, with head erect, and
eyes glaring like balls of fire; but not a single yelp issued from his
capacious throat, as we strode towards the bushes and concealed
ourselves.

We had not remained long at our station before two men passed us,
talking earnestly together; and we learned enough to know that the
presence of the police was not suspected by the bushrangers, and that
the party attacking the hut was one got up for the purpose of avenging
the death of Black Darnley and his gang.

Smith's cart, filled with merchandise when we started, had been rifled
of every thing which it contained of value, and I could hear the poor
fellow groan as he thought of his loss.

"I tell you, Jim," cried one of the gang, "we are only wasting time
here; let's pack up what we've got, and be off. Bill says that he saw a
police force on the road day before yesterday, and our wasting so much
powder may bring 'em to this spot."

"And let the death of Darnley go unrevenged?" exclaimed the ruffian
addressed; "I'm blastedly ashamed of you, to hear a man talk that way!
You knows as well as I does that these fellers has got all the money
that Darnley's gang has made for six months past, and now there's a
chance of making a spec you want to be off."

"But I don't like the idea of getting nabbed by the police. I'm well
known, and curse 'em, there'd be a jolly time in Melbourne if they could
put the hemp around my neck."

"Your neck's no more precious than mine," replied the second bushranger;
"I for one don't quit this place till I've cut the throat of every man
in the hut. I'll learn 'em to attack our people. They shall be made
examples of."

"Well, Jim," replied the milder ruffian, "if you have set your heart on
fighting 'em, why, I'll stand by. But let's make short work of it, and
storm the hut without delay."

"And lose half of our gang, hey?" answered the bushranger. "There's good
marksmen in the hut, as the death of Sam just now should convince you.
We can't afford to throw away men, as we've none too many to do the
work."

"Then how are we going to get at 'em?"

"I'll tell you the plan I've hit on, and I think we needn't lose more
than one man in putting it into execution. Remove every thing from that
cart, and let half a dozen men keep up a brisk fire in front of the hut,
while I with the rest, will take the team to the back of the shanty. We
can push it close under the roof and shelter ourselves from the fire of
those within, if they discover the trick, which I don't think they will.
By starting a board or two, without much noise, we can command every
part of the room, and pour in half a dozen volleys without being
injured."

"That is a deused good idea, and I'll go and tell the boys. They've got
hold of that keg of rum, and I suppose I shall have hard work to choke
'em off; but they must leave it for a while, and attend to business."

The two bushrangers, who appeared to be the leaders of the gang,
separated, one stealing towards the object of his attack, and the other
hastening in the direction of the ford which crossed the
stream--possibly where the men were carousing.

"My poor goods," whined Smith, "the cursed brutes have stolen them all.
I wish that keg of rum had a pound of arsenic in it; there would be some
consolation in knowing that the devils were destroying themselves."

"Hush!" cried Fred, for that instant the growl of the dog gave token
that some one was approaching. With one hand on the animal's leather
collar to restrain him, and another on his massive jaws, we waited his
approach.

The bushranger walked with hasty step towards us, and then suddenly
stopping, he spoke aloud,--

"Jim," he said, evidently thinking that he should find his companion
still there, "the men won't leave their rum; come and speak to the
devils."

He turned in every direction to get sight of his companion, and as he
was facing the hut, I felt a warm pressure from Fred's disengaged hand,
and understood him without a word being spoken.

We noiselessly arose, and relinquished our hold of the dog; but strange
to say the animal appeared to understand our movements, and did not
spring forward as we feared he would. He looked into our faces, wagged
his tail, and remained silent.

"Jim!" cried the bushranger, in a louder tone of voice than he had used
before, "Jim, the boys--"

He had no time to utter more. Fred placed his strong hands around the
fellow's throat, and compressed his grasp until I fancied I heard bones
crack; at the same moment I dropped upon my knees, and seizing both his
legs we had him at our mercy. He kicked violently, and struggled
manfully, but in spite of all we bore him to the bushes, when Smith,
beginning to understand our attack, uttered a chuckle of delight, and
threw his whole weight upon the prostrate bushranger, and began to bind
his arms with cords which he always carried about him in case of need.

Even the hound was not idle, for standing over the astonished ruffian,
with his powerful jaws in close proximity to his face, he showed such a
set of strong teeth that the bushranger manifested many symptoms of
terror, and endeavored to move from such a dangerous neighborhood of
ivory.

The feet and hands of the robber were soon bound by the active Smith,
and then holding a knife at his throat, with an understanding that it
should be plunged into him if he gave an alarm, Fred relinquished his
grasp, and asked a few questions.

"How many are in your gang to-night?" Fred inquired.

The villain looked from one face to the other, as though he was almost
resolved to evade the question; but receiving no encouragement from the
scowling countenances which he encountered, replied,--

"There's twelve of us."

"Who's your leader?" he demanded.

"Jim Gulpin."

"As big a scamp as ever went unhanged!" ejaculated Smith; "I have heard
of his tricks, before."

"What is your object, in attacking the stock-hut?"

"To recover the gold which was stolen from Darnley, and also to revenge
his loss."

"And you expect to succeed?" demanded Fred, ironically.

The bushranger made no reply, and as we had got all the information that
we expected, and had other work in view, we gagged him, and had just
secured the wretch, when a low growl from the hound attracted our
attention.

"If this is the leader," whispered Smith, "you had better let me have a
clip at him first, as he is a man of great strength, and a regular
dare-devil!"

"You may pin his arms, while Jack looks out for his feet," replied Fred.

"I understand," answered Smith, and we fell back into the darkest shade
of the bushes, as Jim came in sight.

He walked with a hasty step towards the spot where his companions were
drinking, and we knew that they must be getting drunk quite fast, for
more than once had we heard their voices mingled with oaths and
execrations.

We stole after him, following on tiptoe to prevent our steps from being
audible, and at a given signal, threw ourselves upon his burly form.

Although taken by surprise, he readily shook us off and gained his
liberty. Once did he free one of his arms from Smith's embrace, and
brought it down upon that unfortunate man's head with a clang that
sounded as though he had fractured his skull; the stout-hearted
Englishman only clung the closer.

Once the bushranger, by his desperate struggles, freed his neck from
Fred's vice-like compression; but instead of using his voice in calling
for help, as a more cowardly man would have done, he uttered fierce
invectives and expressions of defiance.

We bore him to the earth and closed his mouth, and threatened with
steel, but he still defied us; and not until his limbs were securely
bound, and a piece of Smith's flannel shirt was thrust into his mouth,
and the hound standing over him, expressing, by his deep growls, the
most intense desire to taste the robber's flesh, did he become calm and
submit to his fate with resignation.

"Curse you," muttered Smith, "what have you done with my goods?"

"Never mind the goods now, Smith," said Fred. "We shall find them all, I
think, when we capture the gang. Do you take care of the prisoners, and
above all things, keep them quiet. Jack and myself will take a near
survey of the rest of the robbers, and then return."

"I'll keep them quiet--never fear," replied Smith, and he glanced
towards his long knife in an unmistakable manner.

We followed the edge of the stream along for a few rods--each step
bringing us nearer the voices which we had heard while lying in ambush;
and although the bushrangers were sensible enough not to build a fire to
reveal their location, yet the clamor which they raised while drinking
from Smith's cherished keg of rum, was sufficient to lead a party to
their seclusion without fear of being discovered.

We skulked behind a clump of bushes, and for a few minutes listened to
the conversation. Oaths, robbery, and murder were themes as common on
their lips as prayers from a minister desirous of getting an increase of
salary.

"We have heard enough of this, Fred," I said. "Let us return, bring up
Murden and his party, and take the villains alive."

"Agreed," cried my companion; and retracing our steps, we were once more
by the side of Smith, who sat, in company with the hound, watching his
two prisoners with great diligence.

"Your keg of rum is a blessing, Smith," I said. "The bushrangers are
taking to it finely, and in an hour's time they will be unconsciously
drunk."

"We are now going to join Murden and his policemen, and bring them up
for the purpose of capturing the remainder of the gang."

"Good--I'll wait here with these two, and give a good account of them
when you return. Let me keep the dog," he said, as the hound rose to
follow us.

I spoke a few words to the animal, and he quietly returned to the chief
bushranger, and laid down by his side with a brilliant show of teeth.

There had not been a shot fired from the hut for more than half an hour.
The inmates were evidently puzzled at the silence of those on the
outside, and as the gang were too busy getting drunk to attend to
business, it was not probable that another attempt would be made before
our return.

Ten minutes' brisk travelling brought us in sight of Murden's force.
They were on the alert, for we were challenged as we drew near, but were
received joyfully by the officer and his men. They suspected, from the
sudden ceasing of the guns, that we had been surprised; and it was with
the utmost astonishment that they listened to an account of the capture
of the two men.

"We will lose no time," cried the lieutenant "Mount, men, and proceed."

As we trotted towards the hut, Fred suggested to give those on the
inside an intimation of our presence, and as they would be likely to
recognize the voice of their officer sooner than any body else, Murden
rode to the door, dismounted, and rapping, spoke to his men in tones
they well knew.

The bars were removed cautiously, but when convinced that their officer
was speaking, the men were overjoyed. They rushed out to be
congratulated by their comrades, and tell the short story of their
siege. But there was no time to lose, if we desired to capture the
bushrangers; so, leaving the horses in charge of one man, we joined
Smith, and finding that his prisoners were safe, left them in charge of
the dog, and then walked rapidly in the direction of the gang, still
swilling from the rum keg.

They did not suspect our presence, although we heard a number of calls
for their chief, and a few drunken surmises as to the reason of his long
absence; and in the midst of their discussion, the loud voice of Murden
rang out,--

"Surrender, villains, you are surrounded!"

We could hear them start to their feet, and search for their guns, and
then whisper together; and then a deep-toned voice exclaimed,--

"Who asks us to surrender?"

"The police of Melbourne!" cried Murden.

"Curse the police of Melbourne! Come, my hearties, let's give it to the
fools!"

An irregular discharge of half a dozen muskets followed his words, and a
man at my side was struck down, and wounded terribly. He was shot
through the heart, and died instantly.

Their firing revealed their position, and we saw that they were
determined to rush to close quarters, and try the odds, drunk as they
were. Murden no longer hesitated.

"Give them a volley, my men," he cried; and the police, enraged at the
loss of a comrade, poured in a murderous discharge from their carbines.

Yells and imprecations followed, and loud above the groans we could hear
one or two shouting that they would surrender, and begging the police
not to fire again. Murden granted their prayer, and when daylight made
its appearance, the dead bodies of four bushrangers, and three mortally
wounded, were lying by that quiet stream, the waters of which received
their blood, and bore it to the ocean.




CHAPTER XII.

DISCOVERY OF A MASONIC RING.--FUNERAL PYRE OF BLACK DARNLEY.


Knowing the treacherous character of the bushrangers, Murden would not
allow one of his men to venture to the assistance of the wounded
robbers. He formed a circle around them, and with carbines on the cock,
his force waited until daylight before relieving their wants.

In vain Fred and myself offered to venture among the wounded, and take
to them water. Murden would not listen to the proposal for a moment; not
that he was naturally hard-hearted, but he knew the men whom he had to
deal with better' than ourselves; and he imagined that we should get a
few inches of cold steel for our charity.

As daylight appeared, one by one of the gang that had escaped uninjured,
were called out, manacled, and confined to a tree, to prevent all
possibility of flight. There were many fierce oaths uttered by the
wretches, as they felt the bracelets slipped over their wrists by
Murden; and two of the hardened villains boasted of the murders which
they had committed, and laid plans for a continuance of their crimes
when they escaped, as they expected to do.

It was with difficulty that the policemen could be restrained; and once
when Murden was absent for a few moments, and had left the charge of
the prisoners to Fred and myself, one of the men, carried away by sudden
rage at the taunts which the bushrangers hurled at him, raised his
carbine, and if Fred had not struck up the barrel just as he did, the
sheriff of Melbourne would have been spared the necessity of finding
hemp for one robber. As it was, the ball whistled harmlessly over his
head.

"You are mad!" cried Fred; "would you murder the wretches in cold
blood?"

"Ay!" shouted the indignant policeman; "they have committed many
murders, and it is time their career was ended."

"I grant that," returned Fred; "but these men are now in the hands of
the law, and are entitled to a fair trial. You are paid for protecting
them, as well as apprehending. Do not let your conscience ever accuse
you of murdering a prisoner."

"You are right, sir," returned the policeman, with evident respect; "I
was foolish to be so moved, and beg you to forgive me."

"I have nothing to forgive," replied Fred, amused at the man's
earnestness; "but if you wish to do a really good action, lend Jack and
myself aid to bind up the wounds of these poor, grumbling wretches."

"That I will," cried the policeman, laying down his carbine, and
following us to the bank of the river, where the sufferers were still
lying, groaning with pain.

Just as we began washing the blood from their wounds, Murden joined us.
He looked astonished to think that we took so much interest in the men,
and after a moment's hesitancy, said,--

"I have been trying to arrange with Smith to return to Melbourne with
his team, and carry these wounded men and my prisoners. He refuses to
consent until he has obtained your acquiescence in the measure. I have
told him that his goods, which are scattered around here, are nearly
ruined by rough handling, and that he will have to sell them at a
sacrifice at the mines. While he is gone, they can be stored at the hut,
and sold most any time to travellers at an advance, while, if taken
where the market is glutted, he is sure to lose on them."

We were so much surprised at the communication, that we looked at the
lieutenant in astonishment, and for a few minutes did not answer.

"Come, come," said Murden, with a smile, "don't look as though you had
lost all your friends. Say you will go with us. Two weeks' time is all
we ask, and then you can go to the mines in any other part of the island
you please."

"But you forget," I said, "that we are not rich, and can but ill afford
this inactive life. We came to Australia to make a living, and so far,
with the exception of the booty which we captured from Black Darnley's
gang, we have not made a dollar. Even our prize money will have to be
given up to the government, to be returned to its rightful owners, and
besides--"

"There, there, that will do, most honest Americans," said Murden, with a
smile. "Now listen to me for a moment. You made a good thing by seizing
on what treasure Darnley had. The government will be too rejoiced at his
death to care whether he had money at the time he was killed, or not.
Keep what you have got--say not a word about it to any one, for if you
do, you will be the laughing-stock of all Australia. The originality of
the act would surprise our good people, and you would be looked upon as
fit subjects for an insane asylum."

Fred and myself looked at each other, and I read in my companion's face
that he considered the advice, in our present circumstances, as being
sound and rational.

"We have resolved to keep the money," we said; "but as for retracing our
steps to Melbourne, we hardly think that it will pay. We have already
been two weeks in the country, and have not dug the first ounce of
gold."

"And you may be six months here, and yet be unable to do so. Let me
reckon, and see how badly you have done. In the first place, there are
one thousand pounds reward offered for Darnley, dead or alive. Prove to
me that he is dead, and the money is your own. For every bushranger
killed or captured, one hundred pounds are offered, and I need not tell
you that we have twelve here which I can verify--four dead, two wounded,
and six prisoners. That is not a bad night's work, I should think."

"But we think it wrong to accept of money for shedding human blood,"
Fred said.

"But you don't think it wrong to delay your journey half a dozen days
for the purpose of hunting men who would have cut your throats for a
sixpence. Throw aside all such ideas of propriety, and remember that you
are in a country where the struggle for gold engrosses all other
passions; men will look upon you as fools, to reject that which you are
entitled to. Go with me to Melbourne. Help escort these villains to the
city, for remember my force is weakened now, and I promise that you
shall receive more pay for the service than you can make at the mines."

"It is to help me to freedom," cried Smith, who had approached us
unperceived, during our conversation, and had listened to it
attentively.

"For you we will do any thing, old friend," we said, extending our hands
to the honest convict, who grasped them eagerly, and shed tears of joy
at the fair prospect which he possessed of once more being called a free
man.

After making up our minds in regard to the course which we intended to
pursue, we entered into the spirit of the undertaking with our whole
hearts. We prepared lint and bandages, and bound up the wounds of the
bushrangers, and placed them beneath the roof of the hut which they had
endeavored to storm the night before. After we had accomplished this
painful duty, we selected a place for the burial of those killed.

Beneath the branches of a cedar tree we scooped out the earth with a
broken shovel, and then were about to place the bodies of the
bushrangers in the grave, when the glistening of a ring on the middle
finger of the right hand of one of the dead men attracted my attention.
I stooped down and removed the ring, and attentively examined it.

To my surprise, I found that it bore the emblems of the masonic
fraternity--a square and compass upon a broad disk, while on each side
were small flakes of gold in their native state, placed layer upon
layer, like the scales of a fish. The ring I judged to weigh near an
ounce, and was a massive hoop of gold, and made by some artist of rare
talent.

I knew that the ruffian could not be a mason, and I was lost in
conjecture, for a few moments, as to the probable fate of the owner.
There was no doubt that the robber had taken a fancy to it, and to
obtain possession, had undoubtedly committed murder. While it was passed
from hand to hand, Smith suddenly exclaimed,--

"I knew the owner of this ring. It was I that freighted him and his
goods to the mines. He was an American, and had had the ring
manufactured in California expressly to order. I am certain that I am
correct, for when we passed this very stream, the owner requested me to
wear it while he bathed."

"But his name?" I asked.

"I only heard him called Edward by his companions; but I know that he
was an American, and he said he belonged in New York, or New England
city, I don't know which."

I could but smile at Smith's geography, although the scene before me was
not well calculated to provoke mirth. I sighed over the unhappy fate of
Edward, and handed the jewel to Murden, when he returned it, saying,--

"Keep it, my friend, and may you at some future day be enabled to trace
the family of the owner, and tell them of the sad fate which their
relative probably met."

[With this object in view, I have left the ring with the publishers of
the American Union, thinking that probably these sketches might attract
the attention of some person cognizant of the manufacture of the jewel,
and the rightful ownership. The publishers in Boston will be happy to
answer all questions concerning the property, and considering the scenes
which the ring has gone through, it may indeed be regarded as a
curiosity. I shall always retain the ring, and when I gaze at the
emblems which are engraved upon it, my thoughts will wander back to the
sad scenes which I witnessed while in Australia, and the violent death
of the wearer.]

"In with the bodies," cried Murden, "we have much to do before sunset."

As soon as the grave was filled in, the troop regained their former
jocularity, and they began dividing among themselves the property which
they had found upon the persons of the bushrangers.

The amount was not large, not more than a hundred pounds, yet Murden
received his share without a blush, appearing to think that he was doing
no more than his duty. Even the dead policeman was remembered, and as he
had left a widow in Melbourne, his portion was deposited with the
lieutenant, to be paid to her. As Fred and myself were offered our
portion, we declined, and begged that it might be given to the lady in
question, which action on our part raised us in the estimation of the
men immensely.

"Dare you venture across the prairie this forenoon?" asked Murden; "I
would not ask you, were it not necessary to use all despatch to reach
Melbourne as soon as possible; but to benefit you and your friends, the
convicts, I must get a sight of Darnley and his gang."

"If that is your object," we replied, "we are prepared to accompany you
as soon as you are ready. Let us get a cup of coffee and a piece of
broiled lamb, and then start."

"But my prisoners?" suggested the lieutenant.

"Leave them in charge of a portion of your men until we return," I
replied.

"That is easily said; but while I am gone, my men, who are but human,
will probably make free with that keg of rum, which I have thus far kept
from their reach; and if they are without restraint, would be just as
likely to let the prisoners escape, or shoot them, or get to quarrelling
among themselves, as any thing else."

"Where is the keg?" asked Fred.

The officer poked aside some bushes where he had placed it, and revealed
its hiding place.

"I'll soon quiet your anxiety," Fred said, and as he spoke he pulled out
the spigot, and the Jamaica rum mingled with the earth.

"A harsh proceeding, but the best under the circumstances," cried the
lieutenant, with a mournful look, as he heard the rum gush forth as
though saying "good, good;" "I love a drop of good liquor, but men, when
drinking, have no discretion."

Murden turned away with a sigh, as though the strong fumes which
assailed his nostrils were suggestive of lost hopes, and for the
remainder of the day, he was melancholy.

On reëntering the stockman's hut, we found him seated beside his
daughter's rude couch, tenderly bathing her head with fresh river water.
She was conscious now, but still very weak and feeble, and spoke in
whispers. She held out her hand to us when we entered, and smiled, as
though thanking us for the care which we had taken to revenge her
injuries.

Her pulse we found to be more regular, and if she received no fresh
shock, we thought there was a prospect of her being entirely well in a
few days, and so we told her.

At our request Murden stationed one of his men at the door with strict
orders to admit no one who would be likely to disturb her, and after we
had partaken of our rude repast, we got ready for our hot ride over the
plain to the forest.

Before we started, however, we paid a visit to the bushrangers, still
chained to trees, and incapable of assisting each other. We were greeted
with derisive shouts and fierce taunts, which did not disturb our
equanimity in the least; and when the robbers discovered such to be the
case, they again stretched themselves upon the ground, as well as their
irons would permit, and relapsed into sullenness.

Murden left eight of his men to take charge of the prisoners, with
strict orders for two of them to keep guard without rest or sleep. We
were about to mount our horses, when a brawny ruffian we had made
prisoner the night before shouted,--

"Aren't you going to give us something to eat, or are we to be starved
like dogs? You are all cowards, and dare not give us fair play, and an
open fight, but I didn't suppose that you were so frightened as to
refuse to let us have a mouthful."

"Dress a sheep for them, and let them eat their fill," ordered Murden;
"but mind that they escape not, on your lives."

We rode off, followed by the shouts and maledictions of the gang, and
even when we were one hundred rods distant I could hear the ruffians
call after us, bidding us return and learn bravery from them.

"You now know why I feared to leave the prisoners in charge of my men
when a keg of rum was near at hand. The bushrangers, knowing that
hanging is certain, would try and provoke a sudden and easier death. I
do not fear the temper of the men when free from liquor."

Smith, Fred and myself, besides two policemen, composed the party, and
regardless of the heat, which poured down as though it would melt our
brains, we urged our panting horses over the plain, and hardly drew rein
until we reached the edge of the forest, where we halted for
consultation.

It was a bold experiment to venture with a small force to the retreat of
the once formidable outlaw, for there was no telling whether or no a
portion of his gang were living at his haunt. The officer looked up to
us for advice, and we consulted the hound, which had accompanied us, and
now stood by our sides panting and lolling out his great tongue, and
wondering, I suppose, why we did not stop at the river.

"Let us dismount, and shade the animals as well as possible," I advised,
"and then trust to the sagacity of the dog to detect an ambush. My life
on his shrewdness."

The advice was acted on, when leaving one man to take charge of the
animals, we examined our guns and pistols, and made sure that they were
in order; and then, with a few words of encouragement to the hound,
which he appeared to understand, we moved along the path we had
travelled when on our first visit.

With guns on the cock, and examining every thicket of bushes to see if
it concealed an enemy, we made but slow progress. Yet trusting more to
the dog than to ourselves, we at length came in sight of the scene of
our former exploits. All was quiet and still in the vicinity. Not a twig
moved, unless displaced by a gaudy-colored parrot, too lazy, under the
withering influence of the heat, to even chatter.

The hound had bounded into the enclosure, and rushed towards a pile of
branches which had been placed in the clearing since we were there.
Regardless of every thing else he tore away at the wood with his teeth,
and uttered fierce growls, as though he had found an enemy beneath that
pile, and was determined to get at him.

We sent a man to examine the neighborhood, and then went to our
four-legged friend's assistance. With angry growls the dog helped us to
throw aside the branches, but long before reaching the last one, we
suspected the contents of the pile. A horrible stench had for some time
warned us that we were in the vicinity of carrion.

The last branch was removed, and lying in all their ghastly ugliness
were Black Darnley and his crew. Darnley had greatly altered since his
death; but there was no mistaking that massive mouth, filled with strong
teeth, firmly set together, as though striving even with his last breath
to overcome the King of Terrors.

"Are you satisfied?" we asked of Murden, turning away from the sickening
sight with a shudder.

"I am," he replied. "Black Darnley has committed his last crime in this
world; and the man who has caused the police of Australia to turn pale
with fear is now but a home for worms."

"Let us rid the earth of his remains," cried Fred, "and not let them
fester here to breed pollution in the air."

"Well said," replied we all; and after every one had satisfied his
curiosity, we gathered up dry branches and leaves and heaped them upon
the pile, and then set it on fire, and as the flames roared and
crackled, and licked the green corpses, we took our leave of that black
forest, the home of bushrangers, natives, and poisonous reptiles.

As we turned to have a last glance at the fire, we saw the hound
stalking solemnly around that putrid pile, and watching as though not
satisfied until every particle of his enemy had mingled with his mother
earth.




CHAPTER XIII.

THE STOCKMAN AND HIS PARROT.--DARING PLOT OF A ROBBER CHIEFTAIN.


Tired with a hot, dusty ride across the prairie, we felt more like
resting after the sleepless night and busy scenes through which we had
passed, than commencing our journey at sundown, and so we intimated to
Murden; but he was deaf to our hints, and gave his orders for getting
ready regardless of them.

A hasty supper of roast lamb and hot coffee was awaiting us when we
returned from the water, and while we were eating, a number of the
policemen were despatched along the banks of the river to drive in
Smith's cattle, while others stored his goods, which they had collected
during our absence, in the hut, and returned to the stockman a correct
schedule of the same.

About sundown, the oxen were yoked together and attached to the cart.
The horses were saddled, and awaited their riders, and the only thing
that detained us was the transfer of the bushrangers from the trees to
the cart in which they were to be transported to Melbourne. The wounded
men were too seriously hurt to endure the journey, and, indeed, it was
doubtful whether the poor wretches would survive many days, removed, as
they were, hundreds of miles from a physician's reach, and with no fit
nourishment to sustain them.

Murden, when we remonstrated against the wounded men being disturbed,
and given an opinion of the fatality of the act, received the news with
the utmost sang froid, and expressed no particular desire that the men
should live, under any circumstances; and finding that he could do
nothing with them, and that they would never survive the journey to
grace his triumphant entry into Melbourne, he wisely turned them over to
the care of the aged convict and his daughter, both of whom promised to
take care of them to the best of their ability, and in case they
recovered, to hold them close prisoners until the lieutenant sent an
order for their delivery.

One by one the prisoners were transferred from the trees to the cart.
Desperate was their resistance, and loud were the curses which were
heaped upon our heads. Manacled as they were, with heavy handcuffs
around their wrists, in some instances four men were required to lift
one of the villains to his place in the team, and it was no easy task at
that.

The police worked with patience, and never once lost their temper,
although I expected every moment that they would resort to extreme
measures. To keep the robbers quiet, and prevent their committing any
violence on those who rode in the team, a stout, spare chain was passed
from the forward end of the cart to the back part, and fastened
underneath. To this the feet of the men were secured, so that it was
impossible for them to move, or commit any sudden act of violence. The
method was severe, but the only safe plan, and Murden was too old a hand
at rogue-taking to adopt half-way measures.

At eight o'clock we were ready for our journey. Three of the police were
to ride on the cart as a means of precaution, and Fred and myself were
promoted to horses. Smith resumed his old position by the side of his
cattle, and after an affectionate leave-taking with the old convict and
his child, we started; but, to our surprise, the hound trotted along by
my side, and all words or gestures were useless in forcing him to return
to his mistress.

Knowing that she valued the animal, I rode back with him, and requested
her to call him into the hut and close the door, but to my astonishment,
she declined; and when I urged that I could not induce the animal to
return unless I accompanied him, she requested me, in a quiet manner, to
accept of him as a gift, and the only conditions that she imposed were,
that I should treat him kindly during his life.

I joyfully accepted her offer, and once more saying good-by, I rejoined
the troop, and with Rover, as I called the dog after I owned him, by my
side, bounding towards me to receive a friendly pat on the head, as
though he rejoiced in the change that had been made, I journeyed on, in
company with Murden and Fred.

All night long did we urge the oxen to their quickest paces, so that we
could reach a stock-hut by sunrise, where we could obtain food and rest,
both of which we needed. A dozen times did I fall asleep in the saddle,
only to awaken when I found that I was likely to pitch headlong to the
ground, and when, by the sudden efforts which I made to recover myself,
I got thoroughly awakened, I saw that my companions were equally as
sleepy.

Had a strong force of bushrangers but attacked us that night, not a man
would have been left to tell the story; for so thoroughly used up were
the force, that I doubt if even the report of a gun could have roused
them from their lethargy.

About daylight we left the main road, and took a course nearly parallel,
over a plain where not a sign of a wagon wheel was visible. After we had
lost sight of the road, we began to meet cattle grazing upon the
prairie, and by their wildness, we imagined that visitors were a rare
sight to them.

At length, two Australian natives were discovered, nearly naked, and
armed with their favorite weapons, spears and boomerangs, squatting
under a tree, and watching our cavalcade with great interest.

Murden spoke to them in their native language, of which he understood a
little, and inquired the distance to a stock-hut; and with an almost
imperceptible motion of their heads, they intimated the direction which
we were to pursue, and then relapsed into their former state of
stoicism.

"Some of our heaviest cattle-raisers are trying an experiment," said
Murden, as we rode. "Thinking that these poor devils are fit for
something, they are employing them to look after cattle on these immense
plains. The plan has worked admirably so far, for they appear especially
adapted for this kind of work, as it suits their idea of freedom and
idleness."

"And what pay do they get?" I asked.

"Their pay is trifling, but they are assured of good, healthy food, and
clothing if they will wear it, which in some cases they reject with
disdain. Our countrymen have never treated the natives as human beings,
and hence they have never looked upon us with any love; fear alone keeps
them in subjection. A new theory is to be attempted, and with what
success remains to be seen."

When we came in sight of the hut, we started our horses, and left the
cart and men to follow at their leisure. The place was not very
inviting, and did not reflect much credit on the stockman who had charge
of the station.

The hut was built of rough boards, patched in a dozen different places
with bullocks' hides, to keep out the rain in the winter, and the hot
sun in the summer. A small shed was placed at one end of the house,
under which all the cooking was done during wet weather.

Two upright sticks, with necks, on which a cross bar was placed, formed
the fireplace, and that was all that was required by men who live on
meat day after day, and year after year, until, as one stockman informed
me, he "felt horns growing on the sides of his head."

Basking in the sun, which was high in the heavens, was a parrot,
confined in a rough board cage, evidently whittled out with a jackknife,
during the leisure hours of its master. The bird was shrieking out a few
words of unmistakable English, and appeared to utter them with the
greatest glee, as though charmed by having a number of new listeners to
whom it could show off its perfections.

"D---- it, where do you come from?" the bird yelled; and then changing
his tune, he shouted, "take that dog away--take him away! take him
away--cuss him!"

We could but feel amused at such proficiency in the English language,
and were admiring the display of his rare talent, when the proprietor of
the bird came to the door, evidently awakened from a nap by his protegé.
He first told the parrot to "shut up," and then turned his languid
attention on his visitors, whom he did not appear pleased to see, or
indeed displeased. In fact, he seemed too lazy to exhibit much emotion
any way; and the only energy he displayed was when he used his long,
dirty finger nails on his head, the hair from which hung down on his
shoulders in tangled masses, and afforded refuge to thousands of
animals, that would have been homeless, had he had those locks clipped
close to his skull.

The stockman was barefooted, and his feet looked tougher than any sole
leather ever brought to market. Dirt, a hot sun, and an entire absence
of water as a cleansing agent, had rendered them of an indescribable
color, and us he afterwards boasted, he was "not afeerd of any varmin
biting them 'ere, 'cos they was toughened."

An old flannel shirt, and a pair of canvas trousers, completed the
costume of a man who said he preferred to live on a cattle station, and
receive about ten dollars per month, than to trust to luck, and work
hard at the mines.

"Hullo, Bimbo," shouted the lieutenant, as the stockman came in sight,
and leaned languidly against the door, as though too lazy to support his
own weight.

The fellow muttered something which we did not hear, and Murden shouted
again,--

"Did we disturb you from a refreshing nap, Bimbo, or have you grown
lazier than ever? Come, stir yourself, and start a fire; we want
breakfast. In a few minutes there will be a dozen more here, and they
will eat you out of house and home, unless you are smart. Bushrangers
always have good appetites."

It might have been fancy, but I thought I saw the indolent Bimbo
suddenly start at the word "bushrangers," and his apparently
heavy-looking eyes were lighted up with an energetic look that I little
expected from a man such as his outward appearance denoted. Whether my
surmises were correct or not, the man resumed his old habit in a moment,
and if possible looked more fatigued than ever.

"I don't see what you want, coming here at this hour in the morning,"
Bimbo said, with a yawn. "I was just dreaming that I could live without
work, when you roused me. What is up that takes you from Melbourne?"

The question was asked in the most indifferent tone that a person can
imagine; but I thought I detected an eagerness to know the mission upon
which Murden had been engaged that but ill compared with the man's
general indifference and lazy deportment.

"We have been after bushrangers, Bimbo," answered the lieutenant,
dismounting from his horse and approaching the stockman, who still
retained his reclining position against the side of the door.

"And did you meet any?" asked the stockman, indifferently, stealing a
look at the face of the officer as though anxious to obtain his answer
before he uttered it.

"Meet any?" replied Murden, "why, of course we did. You will not be
troubled with robbers in this part of the country for some time to come,
I'll warrant you."

I saw a black frown gather on the stockman's brow, but it was dispelled
as soon as formed, although I could not help feeling that the news
troubled the man exceedingly.

"Come, stir yourself," cried the lieutenant, when he saw that the
stockman did not appear disposed to move, and as he spoke, he laid his
hand lightly upon the fellow's shoulder, and pulled him from his
position in the doorway.

"Come, awaken, old fellow, and let us have the best quarter of beef you
possess, for we are all hungry, and I'll warrant that Jim Gulpin and his
gang--"

"So help me, God, lieutenant," cried Bimbo, hurriedly, "I don't know him
or his men, and I don't see what right--"

"Why, what is the matter with the man?" laughed Murden. "I didn't say
that you knew him. I meant that he and his gang, or what remained of
them, are my prisoners, and in less than a week their necks will be
stretched a few inches longer. There's news for you, Bimbo."

"Gulpin and his band prisoners," I heard the fellow say, in an
undertone, as though he could scarcely comprehend the news, and then an
expression stole over his face, that for a moment was frightful to
contemplate.

"Ah, here they come at last," Murden said, pointing to the cart, which
was slowly creeping along, and had been screened from view by the house.

"You don't mean to say you and your men took the bushrangers without,
any 'sistance from others, do you?" Bimbo asked.

"Why, these two Americans lent their valuable aid," replied the officer,
pointing to Fred and myself.

"P'raps it would have been as well if they staid in their own country
and looked after robbers, instead of coming to Australia," replied the
dirty scamp, with an aside glance at us that spoke murder as plainly as
if he had a knife at our throats.

"Cease your grumbling," shouted Murden, angrily, "or I'll lay my bridle
over your shoulders until they ache. Why, you miserable dog, have you
not complained to me a dozen times that you feared your life was in
danger from these same prowling gangs, and that they stole your cattle
in spite of all you could do? Another word, and I'll give you cause for
muttering. Away with you. Start a fire, and then I'll set one of my men
to cook breakfast. You are too dirty to be intrusted with food."

Bimbo must have exercised a strong control over his emotions, for in
spite of the dirt and grease with which his face was smeared, I saw it
flush angrily; but no other sign of passion was displayed. He thrust his
hands into his pockets, and with a slouching gait, as though too
indolent to move without strong inducement, sauntered towards the shed
and began kindling a fire.

"A grumbling cur," muttered Murden, looking after him; "I have half a
mind to tie him up and scar his back, and see if it will not make him a
little more energetic." But with all of the bluster of the officer, I
saw that he did not suspect the man's honesty, and I was glad that he
did not.

By the time Smith had joined us with his cart and prisoners, Bimbo had
started a fire, and produced a hind quarter of a young bullock, killed
the day before, and which had been rubbed over with fine salt to protect
it from the millions of insects which infest the air of Australia. The
fellow made an offer to cut the meat for us, but a look at his hands was
sufficient to deter us from accepting the proposition.

Maurice, the lieutenant's never-failing resort when a meal was to be
prepared, was set at work to get breakfast for the officer, Fred, and
myself, while one of the men was detailed to perform the same duty for
his companions. Another man was stationed as guard over the bushrangers,
and the balance were ordered to look to their animals, which attention
consisted in watering them at a spring near the hut, and then turning
them loose with their fore legs tied together to prevent their straying
to any great distance. One animal, however, was kept ready saddled in
case of an emergency, and not permitted to roam beyond the extent of a
long rope, like the reattas of Spain or Mexico.

Although I must confess that I was intensely hungry, and tired and
sleepy with my long journey on horseback all night, yet I felt too
uneasy in my mind to spend much time eating greasy beefsteaks and
drinking strong coffee. I had watched Bimbo from the time the cart had
reached the hut to the period when the prisoners were to be allowed to
eat their morning meal; and I had noticed the nervous manner in which
the fellow had acted in spite of his assumed indifference.


Twice had he sauntered towards the cart in which the bushrangers were
still confined, and each time had the sentry ordered him back, as no
communication was allowed with the prisoners; but I saw the grim face of
Jim Gulpin raised as he heard the voice of Bimbo, and an almost
imperceptible sign passed between them.

More than ever convinced that there was an understanding with the
parties, I watched for other tokens, but in vain; and it was not until
one of the policemen ordered the stockman to carry the bushrangers' food
to them that I determined to be present and keep an eye upon his
actions.

The handcuffs were removed from the prisoners' wrists to enable them to
eat, but the irons were not taken from their feet, for Murden had no
idea of trusting them with their liberty even for a moment.

"Here's your grub," shouted Bimbo, who was allowed to pass the sentry
this time, as he had a wooden pail in his hand, none too clean, in which
the food of the prisoners was placed. "Here it is," he continued, as he
set it down in their midst, "and a darn'd sight too good for you it is
too, and mighty thankful you had oughter be that you fell into a
gentleman's hands, and one that knows how to treat you. If I had the
right I'd starve you all, blast your picters."

The ruffians replied with oaths and jeers, but they were too energetic
to be sincere, and I suspected they were intended expressly for my ear,
as I stood not far from them listening to every word that was uttered.

Had the bushrangers not said so much, I should have suspected less, and
while I pretended to be admiring the parrot, I still watched the doings
in the cart.

I saw the stockman glance around to see if his actions were observed,
and that stealthy look was like a cat's watching for its prey--I saw
that the sentry was examining the lock of his carbine, and paying no
attention to Bimbo's movements, while the rest of the men were engaged
in smoking and lounging near--and then for a moment the heads of Jim
Gulpin and the stockman were close together, as though whispering
confidentially. It was only for an instant, however. With renewed oaths
and abuse Bimbo hurried the robbers in their meal, until Murden
interfered, and ordered that they be allowed to eat in peace.

"The idea of letting such scamps as these eat," cried Bimbo, with a kick
of his bare, horny foot against one of the bushranger's ribs. "I'd sarve
'em if I had my way."

Bimbo was replied to with interest by the robbers, and to stop the noise
the lieutenant sent the fellow to the hut to get it ready for the
reception of the latter, as it was thought to be a good place to keep
them during our halt, which we expected to extend to sundown, owing to
the intense heat of the day.

The robbers were removed to the hut, and their manacles taken from their
feet, but the handcuffs still confined their hands, and as they were
chained two by two they were powerless. A sentry was posted, and the
men, glad to obtain a few hours' sleep, stowed themselves under the
shed, and wherever they could screen their faces from the sun.

Fred and myself, taking our saddles for pillows, repaired to the back
part of the hut, the coolest place we could find, and in a few minutes
both of us were sleeping soundly. I had not slept long, however, before
I was awakened by a peculiar noise, that sounded like the grating of a
saw. Instead of starting up to investigate, I pretended to sleep, and
partly opening one eye, saw to my surprise that Bimbo was on his knees
near my feet, and working with cautious energy upon a board which he was
endeavoring to remove. The instrument he was operating with was an old
knife, with notches on the blade, made to resemble a saw.

I continued my position, and by my regular breathing convinced the
fellow that I was sleeping soundly. A dozen times did he pause and
listen, and scrutinize my face, and then I read the man's true character
in his wicked eyes, for they gleamed like those of a serpent, and I saw
murder in every look.

I resolved to continue counterfeiting, and await the result. Half a
dozen times did Bimbo suspend work, and steal to the front part of the
hut to discover if his operations were suspected, and each time he
returned, and after a glance at Fred and myself, commenced work with
renewed energy.

At length a hole large enough to run his hand in was obtained, and then
I heard low whispers pass between Bimbo and the robber chief.

"You must get us out of this scrape," said Jim, authoritatively.

"But how can I at present? Better wait till night, and then I know half
a dozen coves what will strike for you. We can easily get ahead and wait
for you near the Three Forks."

"It wont do," said Gulpin, impatiently. "Go and pick the pocket of the
man that has got the key of our irons, and then we can kill every devil
connected with the troop."

"Hush," replied Bimbo, after a hurried glance at my face. "Them two
blasted Yankees are sleeping close here, and I think both of 'em has
spotted me. I'd like to cut their throats bloody well."

"I have no doubt of it," I thought, "but I'll save you the trouble."

"Go and get the key," repeated Gulpin, with an oath, "and then pass in
all the guns and knives that you can get hold of. When I give a signal,
knock down the sentry at the door, and mind that you hit him hard enough
to prevent his squalling--you understand?"

"Yes, yes; but if I do all that, what share'll I get in the swag in the
cellar? I've kept it for a long time now, and you know it."

"You shall have Darnley's share, if you do as I tell you," replied
Gulpin.

"What'll Darnley say to that?"

"He won't say much, 'cos he's stiffened out--dead as the devil."

This piece of information so elated the stockman that he did not stop to
make further inquiries, but disappeared around the corner of the house,
and when I raised my head to consult with Fred in regard to the matter,
I found that he was as wide awake as myself, and was apparently debating
what course he should pursue.

"Have you heard all?" I whispered.

Fred nodded his head, and laid his hand upon his lips. Then, by a
gesture which I understood, he counselled that we should remain quiet
for a short time, and see how matters worked.

Following this advice, however, did not prevent us from examining our
revolvers and rifles, and also bringing the handles of our bowie knives
to a better position. When Bimbo returned, with a cat-like tread, I
could see by his carrying a carbine that he had been successful; and
when I saw him thrust it into the hole, and then give up the key of the
irons, I had a great mind to shoot him on the spot.

"Here," cried Bimbo, "is the key of the ruffles. Remain quiet for half
an hour, and by that time I'll be ready for you. Remember your
word--Darnley's share."

"All right!" exclaimed the robber, grasping with his manacled hand the
precious key to his irons, and as soon as he had possession of it, Bimbo
glided away to complete his plot.

"We must be acting," said Fred, springing to his feet; and as he spoke
we sauntered to the front of the hut, and saw that the stockman was just
raising a carbine, which he had taken from a sleeping policeman.

Bimbo looked astonished when he caught sight of us, and I saw by the
flashing of his eyes that he was almost determined to begin the battle
immediately, and trust to the robbers for the result.

If such was his intention, however, he had no time to carry it into
effect, for with a sudden spring Fred landed in front of him, and with a
blow of his fist knocked the dirty fellow down, and before he could rise
a revolver was pointed at his head, and instant death threatened, if he
moved.

The noise awakened Murden and his men; and just as they began inquiring
the reason of our violence, there was a loud shout heard within the hut,
the door was rudely thrown open, and at the head of the robbers,
brandishing his carbine, was Gulpin.

The police fell back a few paces in astonishment; but a rallying cheer
from Murden reassured them, and in spite of the known desperate
characters of the bushrangers, they charged on them.

Gulpin did not stop to discharge the weapon which he held, but swinging
it over his head he brought it down upon the skull of the foremost man,
with a crash, shivering the gun into a hundred pieces, and knocking the
fellow senseless.

Gulpin did not wait to repeat the blow, but eluding the many hands
thrust out to seize him, he sprang one side, and leaving his gang to
continue the unequal combat, ran swiftly across the prairie, as though
determined to escape at all hazards, even if his gang were captured.

"The villain will escape!" shouted Murden, more anxious to secure the
person of Gulpin than his men.

The lieutenant rushed to the shed to mount the horse usually kept in
readiness, but Bimbo had turned him loose upon the plain.

With a bitter oath the officer grasped one of his men's carbines and
discharged its contents after the runaway. The ball flew wide of its
mark, and we could hear a taunting laugh from the fugitive, at his aim.

"Show me a specimen of your American skill," cried Murden, after a hasty
glance at his men, and finding that every robber was secured excepting
the chief; "cripple that devil for me, and I am your debtor for life."

Gulpin was about forty rods from us, when the lieutenant spoke, and was
running almost as rapidly as a kangaroo dog. In a few minutes he would
have been beyond our reach, and recommenced his career of crime.

Under these circumstances, Fred felt that he owed a duty to the world.
Hastily bringing his rifle to his shoulder, he glanced along its deadly
tube and fired. For a few seconds we could not perceive that the shot
had affected the bushranger, and I was about to try my skill, when the
villain staggered and fell heavily to the earth.

His leg was broken near the knee, and the bone was terribly shattered by
the rifle ball.




CHAPTER XIV.

DISCOVERY OF STOLEN TREASURES IN THE STOCKMAN'S CELLAR.


Lying upon the ground were the bushrangers, bruised, bloody, and dirty,
groaning with disappointment and pain, and one or two of the most
violent ones cursing so loudly that the air smelt sulphurous. Across the
bodies of the fallen wretches were the policemen, with huge beads of
perspiration standing on their brows, and faces red with the sudden and
unusual exertion which they had endured to conquer the desperate
robbers.

The poor fellow whom the leader of the robbers had injured by breaking a
carbine over his head, was lying on the ground, bleeding profusely from
a long gash in his skull. He was assisted into the hut, and left for a
few minutes, until more pressing demands had been attended to; and after
the prisoners were once again ironed, and chained to the cart, some one
asked what had become of Bimbo; as that individual had not been seen
since the commencement of the attack.

"I'll warrant the lazy rascal has gone to sleep somewhere, and not
awakened during the disturbance," Murden said, not suspecting the trick
which the stockman had played him.

"And what has become of my dog?" I asked, surprised to think that he had
also disappeared.

Fearful that he had got tired of my society, and left for his mistress,
I whistled shrilly, and was happy to hear a response, in the shape of a
deep bay, back of the hut. We hurried where we could get a view of him,
and, to my surprise and delight, I saw that he was standing over the
prostrate body of the miserable, treacherous Bimbo, and showing a set of
ivories at every movement of the wretch, which would have delighted a
gentleman versed in dentistry, or an admirer of white teeth.

The Lieutenant, Fred, and myself, proceeded to the spot, and as we
approached, Bimbo attempted to rise, but the vigilant animal, with an
angry growl, grasped him by the neck, and the dirty fellow was content
to lie quiet, although he used his voice well, and broke forth with
lamentations at the hound's rough treatment.

"Is this the kind of usage a cove meets for giving you something to eat,
and looking after yer hanimals. Take the cuss off, can't ye, and not let
him stand over me this way?"

"Call off the dog," whispered Murden; "I am afraid that the animal will
choke him to death, and then, lazy as he is, he still would be a loss,
for he gives me information at times concerning the movements of
bushrangers, which I can obtain nowhere else."

"Did he ever give you tidings that led to the arrest of thieves?" I
asked.

"No. I think not," replied the officer, after a moment's reflection;
"but that, you know, is no fault of Bimbo's. By his advice, I have twice
been near capturing parties of marauders. Something, however, has
happened to prevent me--either I would get the intelligence too late, or
the robbers had just changed their haunts."

"I see," replied Fred, with a grin; "the lazy, ignorant Bimbo has
blinded the eyes of one of the smartest lieutenants of police in
Australia, and by pretending to furnish information, has gained his
confidence, simply to place him on the wrong track."

"What mean you?" asked Murden, astonished.

"I mean that this scamp"--and by this time we were beside the fellow,
whose face bore every mark of the most abject terror--"has been in
league with the bushrangers for years; that he just entered into a
contract with Jim Gulpin, to set his gang free, and that he picked the
pocket of Maurice to get the key of the robber's irons, and that our
deaths were deliberately planned, and would have been carried into
effect, had we not chanced to overhear the bargain."

"So help me God, lieutenant, it's a lie!" shouted Bimbo, struggling to
his feet, a proceeding which the hound did not exactly like, and he
looked into my face as much as to ask whether it was all right, and
manifested hostility even when I called him away.

"You knows very well, lieutenant, that I've been the best spy on this
route for years, and that I always tells you all that happens, and now
to think that these strangers should come here, and try and take my
character away, it's too bad, it is," and the dirty scamp dug his filthy
fingers into his eyes, and tried to force a tear, but the effort was a
failure.

"How about the stolen articles in the cellar of the hut, a portion of
which you were to receive for setting the gang free?" asked Fred.

"There's none there," whined the fellow, "so help me God, there's none
there, and there's no use in searching."

"Well, examine the hut at all events," replied Fred; and bidding Bimbo
walk to the house, we followed close at his heels, and threatened him
with the fangs of the dog when he hesitated.

By the time we had reached the station hut, the policemen were just
depositing Gulpin near the door, having brought him in a blanket from
the spot where he fell. The wretch was suffering great pain, and huge
beads of perspiration were streaming down his forehead from its effects.
The men had stripped off the leg of his trousers, and revealed bones
protruding near the knee. But little blood flowed from the wound where
the ball had penetrated, and I considered it, with my imperfect
knowledge of surgery, as looking decidedly bad for saving the robber
chief's life.

I stooped down, and sought to examine the limb, but with horrid
imprecations, the bushranger ordered me off, and swore that no one but a
regular physician should attend him.

As we were over a hundred miles from Melbourne, and there was not a
doctor, probably, between us and that city, I gave the man up for lost,
and so I told the lieutenant, who merely shrugged his shoulders, and
declared that there would be one the less to hang, and that it was
always bad travelling with wounded men in company.

"Let that man be kept within musket shot," said Murden, pointing to the
guilty Bimbo, who was still snivelling, and endeavoring to excite our
sympathies.

"And what shall we do with this poor wretch?" Fred asked, gazing with
pity at the prostrate form of the robber chief, who, an hour before, was
a model of health and strength.

"What can we do?" asked the officer, with a puzzled expression.

"I am no surgeon," replied Fred, "but I will, if the poor wretch is
willing, attempt to amputate the limb, and it may be the means of saving
his life."

"Save it for a halter, hey?" asked Gulpin, opening his eyes; and for a
moment they were lighted up with a fierce fire, that showed the bitter
hatred which the man entertained against his captors.

"That is not for me to judge," replied Fred; "I offer to save your life,
if possible, and you must depend upon the courts of Melbourne whether it
is continued."

The outlaw shook his head, and after wetting his parched lips with water
exclaimed,--

"I would rather die as I am; no surgeon's knife shall hack my flesh
while living, and I'm too far from the big town to think they will
string my bones on wires after death. I shall live; and if the
bushrangers in these parts get the alarm, I may defy you yet! See, I
grow stronger, and my leg no longer troubles me with a racking pain."

In his desperation, the outlaw struggled to sit upright, and smiled a
ghastly smile, at his supposed triumph over death.

"Foolish man," I replied, "the cessation of your pains is a sure
harbinger of death. Already has mortification set in, and the best
surgeon in the world cannot save you."

"Is it so?" he asked, hoarsely, after a sharp glance at my face to see
if he could not read trickery, and an attempt, to deceive him.

"Upon my word as a man, you are dying," I replied.

"Well, death and me has met many times, and why should we fear each
other? Let him come; he will not find me unprepared."

"But your peace with God?" I asked, earnestly.

"Look you, young man," the outlaw said, "for ten years I've led a life
of crime; I've committed murders, and robbed all who crossed my path,
and laughed at the agony of those I have rendered penniless. Do you
think that God is willing to pardon sins on such short notice?"

"There is hope for all," I replied.

"You may think so, but I don't believe in that kind of mummery. Go away
from me, and let me die in peace."

"But, consider," I urged.

He waved his hand impatiently, as though the conversation wearied him,
and he wished to terminate it without farther discussion. I joined
Murden, who was standing a short distance from the dying man, calmly
smoking his pipe, and apparently indifferent to the remarks which his
prisoner made.

"Has he been grumbling?" asked Murden.

"No, he appears to be rejoiced to think that he will cheat the courts of
Melbourne of a victim, and declares that if a man is accused of being a
bushranger, his death is scaled, whether innocent or guilty."

"There is much truth in what he says," replied the officer, after a
moment's thought; "the judges act upon the principle that it is better
ten innocent persons should die, than one robber escape. They do not
prove a man guilty, but require him to prove that he is innocent; hence
the burden of proof rests upon the defendant, and he has no means of
establishing, unless possessed of unbounded wealth, the fallacy of such
reasoning."

"And the people of Australia call that law?" I asked, indignantly.

"That is law, and very good law, too," replied Murden; "you can hardly
wonder at such a state of things, when you take into consideration the
lawlessness of the bands swarming over these vast plains, and attacking
every party weaker than themselves."

Murden walked towards the hut as though he declined to converse any
further on the subject; but just then his eyes fell on Bimbo, who was
seated under the shed, within sight of the sentry, and the idea occurred
to make search on the premises for the goods which we had overheard him
talk about.

"Ho, Bimbo," he said, "show us where the stolen property is kept, and
perhaps I may interfere to save your life."

"So help me, God, lieutenant, I don't know what you mean. I never stole
a single thing in my life."

"Then how came you to be sent to Australia for ten years?" asked the
officer, with a sneer.

"Because I was unjustly suspected, as I am now. A man swore that I broke
into a store when he knew I was nowhere near the building."

"It won't do, Bimbo," replied the officer, sending the fellow back to
his place. "Remember, I have offered you a fair chance to act as a
government witness, but you decline."

I thought the follow had half a mind to confess, but he apparently
considered the offer, and resolved to brave it out.

"Bring me a couple of hatchets," Murden said to his men; and when they
were brought he led the way to the hut, and began splitting the boards
of the floor and removing them; but no signs of a cellar were
discovered, and I began to think that the conversation must have
reference to some other stock-house, when one of the men uttered an
exclamation of surprise, and tearing up a board that was pinned against
the wall, we saw a large hole, which, instead of being directly under
the floor, extended beyond the sides of the hut, and formed a sort of
magazine that could only be discovered by removing, as we had done, all
the planks and timbers.

"Jump down, one of you," said Murden, addressing his men.

An exclamation of surprise was uttered by the man that descended.

"Here's a large room," he shouted, "and nearly full of different
articles."

"Go and slip a pair of irons on Bimbo," Murden said, turning to Maurice,
"and chain him to the cart with the rest of the thieves."

A moment after we could hear the prayers of the fellow as he was led to
the cart, and his entreaties to speak with the lieutenant just for a
moment.

"He is too late," was all the remark that the officer vouchsafed upon
being informed of Bimbo's desire.

We entered the secret cellar, and then had the articles which were found
there passed up for an examination. Clothes, powder, and lead, liquors,
boxes of pickles, preserved meats, China ginger, and other sweetmeats,
and in fact it is hard to remember all the names of the different
articles stored in that underground cell. The collection looked as
though it had been plundered from various teams on their way to the
mines, and such we afterwards found to be the case; as Bimbo confessed
that he had acted in the capacity of storekeeper for three or four
years, and even before the mines were discovered he was in league with
bushrangers, and always gave them information when he knew a party of
policemen were on their trail.

There was another piece of information which Bimbo gave us, more
pleasing than any thing which he had said. By his directions, one of the
men was set at work digging in the cellar, and after throwing up a few
shovelfuls of earth, a canvas bag was reached, which proved to be
remarkably heavy. The men crowded around, wild with excitement, when
Murden loosened the string tied around its mouth, and we all gave a
shout when particles of gold dust were discovered, and a louder cheer
when the lieutenant emptied into a basin about forty pounds of gold of
the first quality.

"This is a prize worth something," Murden said, overjoyed at his good
fortune.

"The government will make its expenses on this trip," I remarked, as I
calculated the worth of the gold.

"Do you suppose that government will ever see the color of this dust?"
asked Murden, with a laugh.

I replied that I expected he would render an account of it to his
superior officer.

"And let my superior officer retain the whole of that which we have
worked hard for. I know a trick worth two of that. Stand by and let me
divide it according to grade, men."

A pair of scales was produced in a twinkling from one of the saddle
holsters of the men, and with great dignity the lieutenant weighed out
the full amount, and then made a calculation.

"I am going to let these two gentlemen share equally with me. They
deserve more, but according to the rules of the service, volunteers must
rate with lieutenants."

Fred and I looked at each other in surprise, hardly believing our
senses, while the men declared with one accord that it was but right we
should receive our share, and that we were an honor to the police force.

"There's twenty-two hundred dollars to be divided among the men, and
about two thousand dollars for us three," said Murden, after finishing
his calculations.

"And do you expect us to take the money?" Fred asked.

"I certainly do," replied the lieutenant, with the most refreshing
coolness.

"But suppose an inquiry should be made by those in authority at
Melbourne, regarding the finding of this money? What answer should we
return?"

"You can say that you should like to find more on the same terms, and
refer inquirers to me for further particulars."

"But shall you say nothing about the discovery when you reach the city?"
we asked.

"To be sure I shall. I intend to mention in my report that I found a
large quantity of stolen goods, and present a schedule of the same."

"And the gold?" I asked.

"The gold! why, I have lived too long in Australia to think of giving up
my lawful prize-money, and if I did I should be dismissed from the
police force as not worthy of a command. Follow my example and pocket
all that you can get, and say nothing to any one, or you will be laughed
at for your weakness."

The argument of the officer was not convincing as far as the honesty of
the transaction was concerned; but when I saw the men empty their share
of the dust into pouches which they wore around their necks, I confess
the desire to do likewise was overpowering, and Fred and myself received
our thirds of the gold, valued at two thousand dollars, without farther
argument, or, indeed, caring particularly whether we were doing right or
wrong.




CHAPTER XV.

DYING CONFESSION OF JIM GULPIN, THE ROBBER.


"If you please, sir, Jim Gulpin is dying, I think, and wishes to speak
to you," said one of the policemen, with a military salute.

I found Jim breathing with extreme difficulty, and already the moisture
of death was on his brow. His eyes were set, and presented the peculiar
appearance characteristic of a sudden demise.

A cloud of insects was hovering around the poor fellow's head, and many
of them had alighted upon his face, and were sucking his blood as
eagerly as though they knew they must improve their time. Gulpin was too
weak, or else unconscious of their stings, to make an effort to drive
them from their feast; and as for the police, they were too busy in
dividing the gold found in the secret cellar to pay any attention to the
dying robber.

I sent one of the men for a pail of fresh water from the spring near the
house, and the only place where water could be had within a circle of
twenty miles, and then with a wet towel I bathed the dying man's face,
and wet his parched lips. He appeared revived, and grateful for the
attention which I bestowed upon him, and murmured some words, the
meaning of which I did not comprehend. I thought his mind wandered, and
remained seated by his side, fanning his heated face, and listening to
his respiration, which appeared to become more difficult at every
breath.

All at once the robber chief roused himself from his lethargic state,
and carefully scanned my face with his lack-lustre eyes. I met his gaze
without flinching, and perhaps the bushranger read pity in my looks, for
he merely uttered a sigh, and I heard him moan.

"Pardon me," he hoarsely whispered, extending his hand, "I have been
harshly used during my life, and what I am the laws of England have made
me. Once I was honest, and free from sin as a child, but an unjust
accusation and an unjust conviction made me a bandit. The laws warred
against, me, and I turned on them and have vented my spite against not
only those who framed the laws, but every body who lived under them."

He paused for a moment, and I again moistened his mouth with the wine
and water. It revived him, and he continued, although in a subdued
tone,--

"I will tell you why I feel this bitter hatred for my enemies, and then
you can judge whether I am entirely in the wrong. Raise my head
slightly, for I feel that I am sinking fast."

I propped his back against some spare blankets, and heard the
bushranger's story. I thought he told me the truth at the time, and a
few subsequent inquiries convinced me that such was the fact.

"I was born in the west of England," Gulpin began, "and although you may
doubt my story when I tell you that my family is rich and honored, and
the only blot upon the name was when I was accused of crime, yet such
is the fact. I am the youngest of three sons. My brothers are in the
army, and hold commissions, and are no doubt, by this time, if alive,
high in rank and power. My wish was to enter the army also, but my
father thought he could not afford to purchase me a commission, and he
had exhausted his favor with the ministry in providing for his eldest
sons. Accordingly I was sent to a banking house in London, with which my
father had correspondence, and was admitted as a clerk.

"I knew that the business was unsuited for one of my restless
disposition, and I should have left and sought my fortune in other parts
of the world without a parent's sanction, had I not been bound to my
place with chains stronger than iron, and with all my firmness I could
not break them."

The robber paused for a moment, and while I wiped the moisture from his
brow I thought a tear fell upon the cloth. He soon recovered his voice,
however, and continued:--

"Owing to the position in which my father moved in society, I was
treated by my employers, the eminent bankers, B---- & Brothers, with
considerable favor; and was often invited to the house of the senior
member of the firm. Mr. B---- was a widower, but had an only child who
presided over his palace, situated away from the noise and confusion of
London, at the West End.

"Miss Julia B---- was just one year younger than myself; and both of us
being motherless was in a measure the reason why we so soon became on
intimate terms. I know not how it happened, but I had not seen the lady
more than twice before I felt that if I could not possess her, I did not
care to live. Her father, who was subject to attacks of the gout, which
frequently confined him to the house for weeks, often desired my
presence to receive his instructions, and I never left his apartment
without trying to see the object of my passion.

"You smile," the robber continued, as he caught my glance at his bearded
face, blackened skin, and hard hands. "I was not always as I am now, and
once would hardly let the sun touch my cheek, for fear it should mar its
whiteness; Many years have passed since then."

The bushranger paused and remained silent for such a length of time that
I feared his spirit was passing away; but after a while he rallied, and
continued:--

"I will not tell how I contrived, by one pretext and another, to get
speech with Julia, and how rejoiced I felt to see that my arrival was
hailed with real satisfaction by the fair girl; nor need I tell how we
had stolen interviews, and exchanged vows, and swore to be true to each
other, until one day we were surprised by Mr. B----, who, pale with rage
and indignation, ordered me from the house, and his daughter to her
room.

"I left his presence without a word, and for two days I did not go near
the banking house; but when I did, I was ordered to the presence of the
man who of all others I dreaded most to see.

"For three years I have roamed the plains of Australia, and dared death
in a hundred different ways, but I never felt so timid as when I was
called before that weak, old man, whom I could have struck senseless
with a blow, and crushed as easily as I and my gang have crushed an
escort with gold dust under their charge.

"I was received with a lowering brow, and an expression that boded me no
good, and I nerved myself for harsh words and reproaches, determined,
let him say what he pleased, I would not lose my temper.

"'I need not refer,' Mr. B---- said, 'to the base ingratitude of which
you have been guilty in seeking to compromise my daughter's honor and
happiness. I do not wish to upbraid you; and to give you an opportunity
of showing that I can forgive an indiscretion, I offer you an honorable
position in our house at St. Domingo; the junior manager has vacated his
situation, and we have concluded to give the berth to you, knowing that
a few months will cure you of the foolish passion which you now profess,
and that a few years' time will place you at the head of the house, and
at your disposal a handsome fortune.'

"'Then there is no hope of my seeing Miss Julia once more?' I faltered.

"'Foolish boy, read that article and see,' the banker said, tossing a
copy of the Times towards me.

"I read, and my brain grew wild while I read. I felt the hot blood
tingling in every vein, and boiling as though it would burst its bounds,
and all the time that the paper was trembling in my hands--they shook as
though I was under a fit of ague--I knew that the banker was
scrutinizing every gesture with his calm, cold eyes, calculating the
effect which it would have upon my love.

"'You do not read,' he said, at length, reaching out his hand to take
the paper.

"He spoke the truth, for, although I had glanced over the Times, I did
not exactly comprehend the meaning, and I was staring at the banker,
with his cold eyes, as though I read in them triumph at my confusion.

"I mechanically handed him the paper, when he adjusted his spectacles
with his usual precision, and in a calm voice read;--

"'We understand that the Hon. Fitzroy Summerset Howard, second son of
the Earl of Paisley, is soon to be united in marriage with the only
child of the rich banker, Mr. B----. A fortune of one hundred thousand
pounds is to be her dowry.'

"'That latter clause is the bait that attracted you, no doubt,' the
banker said, with a sneer; 'but luckily your project is defeated.'

"'I solemnly swear,' I exclaimed, with sudden energy, 'that I love Miss
Julia dearly--better than all the world, and that if you will allow me
two years' time to win her, you may keep your fortune, and bestow it
upon whom you please."

"'Pshaw!' he said, with an expression of contempt; 'I but waste words
with you. In one week my daughter weds, and to benefit you, and rid her
of an annoyance, I have offered you a position at St. Domingo; will you
accept it or not?'

"'And fall a victim to the yellow fever in a month after my arrival,' I
said, with a taunting smile, for I felt the devil rising within me, and
I did not care to suppress it.

"'Perhaps,' was the laconic answer; and the cold eyes gleamed like those
of a basilisk.

"'Then hear me, and know that I too have firmness. Your daughter and
myself have pledged our mutual faith--we have exchanged vows which soar
above your money bags, and as long as I possess my reason, my liberty,
and health, so long will I endeavor to see the lady, and hold her to her
word.'

"I turned to leave the room, but the banker recalled me with a word.

"'Is that your firm resolution?' he asked, with as much unconcern as he
could assume.

"'It is,' I answered.

"'Then I must try other means,' he said; and as he spoke, he touched a
bell.

"A door leading to the outer office was instantly opened, and a clerk
made his appearance.

"'Is the officer still in attendance?' asked Mr. B----.

"'Yes, sir.'

"'Let him enter.'

"I did not suspect any thing unusual, and was about to pass out of the
room, when I found myself in the embrace of a police officer, and before
my surprise was over, a pair of handcuffs was slipped over my wrists,
and I was a prisoner.

"'What is the meaning of this, sir?' I demanded, indignantly.

"'Be quiet,' the man said; 'it's only for a bit of forgery.'

"'Forgery!' I gasped, astonished beyond belief.

"'Take him away, officer,' the banker said; 'he has confessed every
thing to me, and made restitution of a portion of the money, but an
example must be made. Forgery is too common, nowadays, to go
unpunished.'

"The police officer almost carried me from the room, I was so
overpowered by the unexpected, cruel, and unjust accusation; and as I
staggered from the banker's presence, I saw the smile which I had
remarked more than once upon his features during our interview, change
to one of satisfaction, as though he now saw his way clear, regarding
his daughter's marriage."

The outlaw paused for a few minutes, closed his eyes, and breathed hard,
as though trying to suppress his emotion; but in spite of his firmness,
I saw tears trickle flown his haggard cheeks, as though the revival of
his ill usage was too much for even his rugged nature to bear. At
length, he opened his shirt collar, and exposed a gold cross, of rare
workmanship, upon his bosom, and confined around his neck by a gold
chain.

"This cross," he said, raising it to his lips, "was presented to me by
the only woman I ever loved. I need not tell you that her name was
Julia, and that through all the changes which I have passed, I have
retained possession of it. See, I press my lips to it, and solemnly
swear that I never committed forgery in my life, and that I was innocent
of crime until after I was transported. I have but a short time to live,
and do you think I would commit perjury upon the brink of the grave? Do
you believe me?" he asked, earnestly.

"Most sincerely I do," I answered, for I saw that the dying bushranger
was in earnest.

"Then I am satisfied that I can trust you, and will continue my story. I
was taken to prison, and confined in a dungeon, as a forger. I asked the
amount of money which I stood charged with obtaining, and the turnkey
laughed in my face, and told me that I ought to know better than he the
sum of my villany.

"By a liberal expenditure of my scanty funds, I was enabled to send a
letter to my father, informing him of the circumstances of my arrest,
and vowing my innocence. I received a reply, that I had disgraced his
name, and that he never desired to see me again.

"I sank under the blow, and for hours I lay senseless; but at length I
rallied, when a letter was placed in my hands. It was in the handwriting
of Julia, and with eager haste I broke the seal, and scanned its
contents. It was but another species of torture, but more pointed than
the accusation of crime.

"Her letter was worded coldly, and contained expressions which I little
thought she would ever use to me. She believed me guilty of the crime
with which I stood charged, considered that I had taken an unfair
advantage of her father's kindness, and concluded with a hope, that if I
lived to serve out my sentence, I would always remain in exile, and
never distress my family with my presence.

"Twice did I read that short, heartless letter, before I fully
comprehended its meaning; and when I realized that I was discarded,
believed guilty, I sat down, and bowed my head upon my breast, and shed
tears of agony. I cared no longer to live, and almost wished that
forgery was, as formerly, punished with death.

"During my grief, I was summoned to the court, placed in the prisoners'
dock, and heard, for the first time, that. I was charged with forging
Mr. B----'s name to a draft for a thousand pounds, and that I had
confessed the crime, and made restitution of most of the money which I
had obtained, and that on that account I was entitled to mercy, and that
the liberal, patriotic banker would have spared me, if he had thought I
would have sinned no more.

"I was like one in a dream all the time that I was in the court room. I
was asked by the judge, in a severe tone of voice, if I wished counsel,
and mechanically I answered in the affirmative; and after I had
consulted a moment with him, I recollected no more, until I was led from
the room, and told that I was transported, for ten years.

"The next day I was sent to Liverpool, in company with house-breakers,
thieves, and men accused of all crimes, and from thence I was taken on
board of a ship loaded with felons, and bound for Australia. Even after
I was safely chained between the decks of the vessel, I did not escape
the vengeance of the man whose daughter I had dared to love. A newspaper
was thrust into my hand by some person, who directed me to read, and
then disappeared. My worst fears were realized--Julia had become the
wife of the earl's son on the same day that I was condemned.

"I tore the paper into ten thousand pieces, and then vowed, that as I
was with criminals, and classed as such, I would show a felon's spirit.
I no longer was meek and dejected. I became a leader, and planned for
the capture of the ship, and should have succeeded, had not a
treacherous hound betrayed us to punishment.

"But I was not discouraged by my failure, and when I was beaten for my
rebellious spirit, I had satisfaction, for one dark night I drove a
knife to the captain's heart, and laughed to think I remained
undetected.

"You shudder," the robber said, when he saw that I shrank from his side
at this avowal. "I grant that the deed was wicked and cruel; but I had
been trampled upon as a man, betrayed and condemned, and my feelings
underwent such a change that I was no longer human.

"After a long and dreary passage, the ship arrived at Hobson's Bay, and
we were landed. My reputation was too bad to be allowed to serve outside
of the hulks, and accordingly, day after day, I dragged my chain and
ball, attached to my right foot, after me, and performed labor that
caused many of my fellow-prisoners to sink by my side and expire, while
others would fall to the ground, and be lashed by the whips of our
taskmasters into renewed activity.

"One hope alone kept me alive--the expectation of an escape. I planned,
and sought to carry them out, but the vigilance of my keepers frustrated
my intentions, and it was not until the gold mines were discovered that
I found an opportunity. Many of our overseers then left the employ of
government, and flocked to the mines. Of course, more men were engaged,
but they were too green in the service to understand all of the tricks
which prisoners resorted to to blind their eyes.

"One dark night, a convict about my own age, and myself, resolved to
make an attempt at escape. Our chains were filed off, and knives placed
in our hands by men outside of the prison walls; these we had kept
secreted for many weeks, in hope of finding a use for them, and when we
heard the rain' dash against the roof, we resolved that the hour had
arrived for an attempt for freedom.

"Most of the sentries were under shelter, when we crossed the court
yard, with steps like those of a cat, and stood before the astonished
turnkey, who kept watch upon the inner gate. Before he had time to raise
an alarm, we struck, and he fell without a groan. We hastily tore the
clothes from his body, and I dressed myself in them, casting away the
prison suit which I wore, and then with the key of the massive gate, I
unlocked it, and continued on to the outer lodge, where I knew we should
meet with another keeper.

"The latter was busily engaged in writing when we entered, and did not
notice but that we were servants of the prison. He never probably knew
what killed him, for he fell--"

"Good God!" I exclaimed with horror, "did you assassinate him, also?"

"How could we have escaped unless we did? By the keeper's side was a
bell rope, a touch of which would have brought, a dozen soldiers upon
us, and then death would have been certain. We had been prisoners too
long to scruple at murder when our safety was involved.

"My fellow convict removed the man's clothes, even before the breath had
left his body; and while he was dressing himself, I glanced my eye over
the letter which the keeper had been writing. I saw, to my astonishment,
that it was addressed to Mr. B----, the banker, and that an account of
my health, my work, and rebellious disposition, were set forth, and a
hope was manifested that I should break down under the severe
discipline of the hulks, and that if I did not, other employment would
be found in a few weeks, which would surely end my days. A donation of
twenty-five pounds was acknowledged, and thanks were returned for the
same.

"I ground my teeth with rage, and then added a line in the letter, to
let the villain know that I still lived, and hoped to get square with
him before I died.

"Time was too precious, however, to waste it there. Every moment was
worth an hour to us, for we were liable to be interrupted; and if seen
at large the whole city would have been aroused, and capture inevitable.

"The huge key that unlocked the outer gate was hanging on its accustomed
peg, and to take possession of it, and emerge into the street, was but a
moment's work; and then to give our oppressors all the trouble possible,
we locked the gate, and hurled the key into the river, which ran hard
by.

"The night was pitch dark, and, as I said before, the rain poured down
in torrents, for winter had set in with uncommon severity. The streets
were without light, and the gutters were like small rivers; but by the
latter we were enabled to find our way. You are aware that Melbourne is
partly built on a hill, so by following the course of the water, as it
rushed towards the bay, we gained the outskirts of the city, and struck
across the broad fields, and toiled on through the long night, and when
daylight came, no sign of house or inhabitants was to be seen.

"That day we rested for a few hours, and continued our journey towards
night, hardly knowing where we were wandering to, almost famished with
hunger, and dead with fatigue.

"I have not breath to tell you all that we suffered while getting
towards the bushranging haunts; our days of hunger and wretchedness--our
adventures with the natives, and their attempts to kill us--the
desperate risks which we ran of being captured and taken back to
prison--and last of all, our reaching this hut, which is to be the scene
of my death.

"Here is where I first met Bimbo; and as he is already a prisoner, there
can be no harm in my telling you that be provided for our wants, kept us
in his secret cellar over a week, until we were fully recruited, and
able to grasp a musket, and then introduced us to Black Darnley, as
possessing spirit enough to belong to even his gang.

"By him we were accepted; but after I had served in the ranks a short
time, I raised a band of my own, and have pillaged and murdered to my
heart's content."

The robber ceased speaking, and a spasm passed through his frame, that I
thought would result fatally; but a drink of wine restored him, and he
again spoke, but in a voice not above a whisper.

"I have a commission which I wish you to take care of," the bushranger
said, scanning my face to see what effect his words would have upon me;
"can I trust you to take charge of it?"

I promised faithfully to fulfil his wishes, no matter what he required
of me.

"This cross," he said, touching it to his lips, and uttering a sigh as
he did so, that came from the heart, "I promised to send to Julia, only
when death overpowered me. Will you take it to her, and say that the
wearer has gone to another world, where treachery and crime do not
exist, and where I hope to meet her and her father, and then disprove
the unjust accusation that was brought against me?"

I promised to obey his wishes, and a look of gratitude stole over his
dark face.

"My name," he whispered, "is engraved upon the jewel: do not give it to
the world, but know me as Jim Gulpin, the robber. I do not wish to
disgrace my father's name, even if I have been unjustly accused by him."

I also promised compliance with this request, and asked if there was any
other matter which he wished to confide to me.

"You know where the hut of Darnley stood in the black woods which you
visited?" the robber whispered, with a painful effort.

I replied in the affirmative.

"Near the hut I buried all my ill-gotten gains, and there they remain
yet; to you I bequeath them, to do as you see fit. There are thousands
of pounds' worth of gold dust there, besides jewels of value. After
searching the hut, walk in a south--"

The robber's voice failed him; he made painful efforts to recover his
breath, and during the struggle his eyes rolled fearfully in their
sockets, and his hands clutched the earth convulsively. I feared that he
would die without revealing the hiding-place of his hoard, and impressed
with this idea, I dashed a pot of cold water in his face, and poured
more wine down his throat.

"Thanks," he gasped, "I'm--going--farewell--ten paces--in a south--"

There was a gurgle in the bushranger's throat, a convulsive movement of
his limbs, and then all was quiet, and the spirit of the outlaw chief
had taken flight to a better world.




CHAPTER XVI.

A FORCED MARCH TOWARDS MELBOURNE.


I removed the cross from the neck of the dead robber, placed it around
my own, and reported his death to Murden.

"Dead, is he?" repeated the officer, carelessly; "did he make any
confession?"

"He spoke about an unjust sentence," I replied, "that is all of any
importance, excepting a history which he confided to me; it would be
uninteresting to you, however."

"Ah, I dare say," answered Murden, languidly; "but to tell you the
truth, the man always passed for a person of good birth, even at the
hulks; and there was some romance connected with his sentence, but what
it was, I have forgotten. Old Pete, however, the same whom Gulpin
murdered when he made his escape, used to receive money from some source
or other, for keeping them posted concerning his health and habits, but
the old fellow was a sly dog, and never divulged secrets."

"If a portion of his story is correct, why not the whole?" I asked
myself, as I thought of the hidden treasure, buried somewhere in the
vicinity of the last resting place of Darnley.

The more I pondered over the subject, the more firmly I became convinced
that Gulpin meant honestly by me, when he said that thousands of
dollars' worth of gold dust, taken from people returning from the mines,
was deposited in the earth for safe keeping, and perhaps with a hope
that some day it might be removed, when its owner was ready to flee the
country.

Resolving to consult with Fred, as soon as I could do so without
exciting suspicion, I left, the lieutenant and Fred talking together,
while I went in search of a proper place to bury the dead bushranger.

I had been employed but a few minutes, when Smith joined me, and in
spite of my remonstrance, relieved me of the work which I was
performing.

I did not think it necessary to tell him, at that time, of the
confession of Gulpin, although I knew very well that his assistance
would be necessary when we commenced our search for the gold.

In spite of the intense heat, Smith soon had a grave large enough to
admit, the body of the bushranger, and then we returned to the hut, and
got Murden to allow three or four of his men to carry the body to the
spot.

Fred, Smith, and myself followed the procession, and consigned the body
to the earth, without a word being spoken. It was a solemn moment, and
as I heard the dirt fall upon the corpse, my thoughts wandered to the
proud lady, and the stern father through whose instrumentality the lover
and son became a leader of bandits, and died a violent death, while
setting at defiance the laws of his country.

Fred and myself lingered behind, and suffered the rest of the party to
reach the hut in advance of us; and while we sauntered leisurely along,
I confided to him the confession of Gulpin, and asked his opinion
regarding the means to be employed to discover the dust.

"I think the man was honest," Fred said, after a pause, "when he made
the confession; in fact, the gang must have gold dust buried somewhere,
for it is notorious that two escorts have been plundered by bushrangers
within three months. The robbers have not been able to go into town to
squander their money; they buy nothing, because they take every thing by
force, and therefore it is very evident to me that the treasure which
they have stolen must be in the ground; but the question is, to find the
spot."

I repeated the last words the robber had uttered,--

"Ten paces in a south--"

"He may have meant south-east, south-west, or even south; there are a
dozen points of the compass governed by south, and the only way we can
solve the mystery is to visit the spot, and trust to our tact in finding
earth recently disturbed. If there is money within the radius of ten
paces from that hut, we'll find it, unless some one gets there before
us."

"And Smith," I asked, "we shall want his services."

"Of course, and a better man we could not have to accompany us. His team
will not only carry all the tools that we shall need to work with, but
provisions sufficient to last us a month, if we think it will pay to
spend that length of time in the search. We must have Smith as a
companion, by all means."

"Let us promise him a share, if successful, and if we fail, nothing," I
said; "he is too stout a friend to be offended, and his knowledge of the
country can be turned to a profitable account."

"We must hurry Murden," Fred remarked, "and get him to use more
expedition, or we shall not reach the city for a week. Time is precious
to us, until we find the buried treasure."

"But, remember," I whispered, as Murden came out of the hut to meet us,
"do not lisp a word of this to him."

"You appear earnest, gentlemen," said Murden, as he joined us; "pray,
what perplexes your minds now?"

"We were conversing on the subject of making a forced march to
Melbourne," Fred replied, gravely.

"And why need that trouble you?" the officer inquired.

"It does not trouble us much, but we were discussing the probability of
losing our prisoners before reaching the city, in case the various bands
of bushrangers in this part of the country should concentrate their
forces, and make a sudden onslaught. We do not number many fighting men,
for remember that Haskill's skull is cracked, and he can do nothing but
hold it with both hands and groan. The man is threatened with a brain
fever, and should be in a hospital, instead of on the plains."

Murden cast his eye over his men, who were cooking their suppers, it
being near sundown, and was apparently debating in his mind the force of
our words. He knew that we were no cowards, for we had given him proof
of our fighting qualities; and not understanding the secret motive which
actuated us in pressing for a speedy march to Melbourne, began to think
that there might possibly be reason in what we said.

"I hardly think the robbers would dare to attack us," Murden said, at
length; "the scamps know that my bullies can fight when roused."

"But you do not look at things in their true light," Fred said. "Your
present expedition is the first one that has ever been able to cope with
the lawless scoundrels: and you can readily comprehend how the
bushrangers will feel when they know that two of their most formidable
bands have been broken up, and by only a dozen men. In Melbourne, one
dauntless escaped convict is considered more than a match for four
policemen, because the former fights with a halter around his neck, and
unless he conquers, death is certain. Be assured that the gangs in the
vicinity understand the advantage of having a terrible name, and that
before we reach the city they will seek to retrieve it. I should not be
surprised if even now our trail was followed, and runners sent, from one
haunt to another, for the purpose of arousing the devils to fall upon
us, and take vengeance."

"If I thought so," muttered the lieutenant, glancing along the trail
which we had made on the broad plain, as though he already saw squads of
enemies in the distance.

"We cannot, of course, be certain that we are followed, but I think that
it is better to be over-cautious than neglectful. One hundred pounds on
each prisoner delivered to the government, is a sum of money that should
not be thrown rashly away."

"By St. George!" cried the Englishman, with warmth, "that last argument
decides me. I don't fear a battle with bushrangers, but I should dislike
to lose my prize-money. Hurry through your suppers, men, and bring up
the animals. In fifteen minutes we start, and there will be no rest
until we reach Boomerang River."

"Come and share my supper--there's not much of a variety, but what there
is you are welcome to," Murden said, turning to us, after he had given
his order.

"You did well," whispered Fred, as we followed the officer to the hut;
"don't let him grow cold."

"We've said enough for once; let him allude to the subject the next
time, or he will suspect," Fred rejoined, in the same low tone; and
without renewing the conversation, we sat down upon the floor of the
hut, and ate our beefsteak, broiled upon coals, and drank our strong
coffee, with a peculiar relish.

There was no allusion to the dead robber we had just buried, and, in
fact, Murden already appeared to have forgotten that there ever existed
such a person. But if his memory was so defective, mine was not, and I
could hear the last words of the bushranger ringing in my ears, as he
gasped for breath, and exclaimed, "Ten paces in the south--"

The gold cross, too, which I had taken from the dead man's neck, seemed
to sear my bosom, and parch the skin, so heated did I fancy it grew when
my thoughts wandered to the dying man and his buried treasure.

"What are we to do with these goods, which make such a display?" I asked
of Murden, glancing around at the miscellaneous collection which
surrounded us.

"Return all but the wine and provisions to the hole from whence they
came, and let government send after them," answered Murden.

"And the wine?" I asked.

"We'll take it with us, and drink it on our way to the city. We shall,
by that means, prevent some other party from being led into temptation."

Many hands made light work of returning the goods to the secret cell, as
there was not much formality in stowing them, and then the floor boards
were replaced, and we were ready to start on our long journey.

"Are we all ready?" asked our commander.

"All ready, sir," was the answer, and a loud crack of Smith's whip, as
he touched up one of the leading oxen, which appeared too eager to start
before the word was given, made us think of the time when we first left
Melbourne under his guidance.

"Then forward we go!" cried Murden; and we had got some paces from the
hut, when a shrill voice exclaimed,--"O, don't leave me--go to
thunder--who cares for bushrangers? Bimbo--Bimbo--where's Bimbo?" "I
had forgotten the parrot; what shall we do with him?" asked Murden,
ordering a halt.

"Let me stop and look after him until you come back again," cried the
innocent Bimbo, raising his dirty face from the team, and gazing at us
with an air of simplicity charming to behold.

"Silence, you miserable traitor!" shouted the exasperated officer, "or I
shall be tempted to beat you with my whip."

"I don't see what this cove has done, that he should be snatched up and
lugged off this way. P'aps Mr. Sherman, who owns this stock-house, won't
scold when he comes to hear of it. He won't say nothing, and swear to
think that his cattle is all running wild, 'cos nobody takes care of
'um."

"Lend me your whip, Smith," Murden said, as the fellow raised his voice
in a sort of howl, at the thought of being carried away from the hut
which had sheltered and screened his rascalities for so many years.

Smith handed the short-handled instrument of torture to the officer, who
waved it over his head with a scientific flourish, like one accustomed
to its use, and in another instant Bimbo would have had something to cry
for, but the cunning rogue ducked his head just in time to escape
punishment. The long lash passed over his body, and cracked like the
report of a pistol; and while the officer was drawing back his arm for
another attempt, the impudent, dirty face of the rogue was raised, and a
leer of contemptuous pity expressed upon it.

Neither Fred nor myself could prevent laughing at the fellow's coolness,
and our mirth extended to Murden, who began to be aware that he was
making a ridiculous exhibition of his temper, and tossed the stockman's
whip to the owner, exclaiming,--

"I was foolish to allow the fellow to provoke me, and am glad that I did
not touch him with the lash; although if he had not been as quick as
lightning, I'd have taken a good piece of his hide."

"But what are we to do with the parrot? Remember we are losing time," I
said.

"Yes, what's to be done with me--where's Bimbo?" shrieked the bird.

"Put the cage into the cart--he will excite curiosity when we reach
Melbourne, and perhaps bring a round sum."

The order was obeyed, and with shrill screams of delight the bird and
his cage were stowed among the prisoners, and long after dark we could
hear the talkative parrot ask the bushrangers how they felt, and when
they were going to die? Questions of great significance to them at the
time. After a while he dozed off to sleep, but during the night awoke
about once every half hour, and with a shout of,--

"Where's Bimbo--darn Bimbo--lazy Bimbo!" and then would drop off to
sleep again.

At about nine o'clock we reached "Boomerang stream," the same place
where we had witnessed the natives of Australia gorge themselves with
kangaroo meat until stuffed to repletion. The place was alive with oxen
and stockmen, and carts filled with stores on their way to the mines.
Many of the drivers had just arrived, having been on the road from
Melbourne all night, and were turning their cattle loose, intending to
pass the day by the side of the stream, for the purpose of recruiting,
and avoiding the heat of the noonday sun.

We forded the river, the waters of which were not more than twelve
inches deep, and with many flourishes of his immense whip, Smith drew up
his cattle directly under the shade of a friendly tree growing near the
bank.

Before the cattle were turned loose, we were surrounded by anxious
inquirers desirous of asking a dozen questions regarding the safety of
the country, and what the men whom we had ironed had been guilty of.

Murden, who was both cross and hungry by his night's ride, attempted to
satisfy their curiosity by replying; but he might just as well have
attempted to dam a river with a sieve; and the few words which he spoke
were almost lost in the confusion.

"We shall never get any breakfast or rest at this rate," he whispered to
Fred and me, "so lend us a hand to clear the ground, and then I'll keep
them at a distance, or break their necks."

We mounted our horses, and telling the stockmen, miners, adventurers
like ourselves, speculators, and two or three fat old fellows, who were
visiting their cattle-raising districts to see how their stock thrived,
that we feared some of them were in league with bushrangers, and that we
would have no one that did not belong to our force inside of the lines
at present, drove them back until we had cleared a sufficient space for
our convenience, and then the men stretched a rope from two posts, and
inside of that barrier no one dared to venture without permission.

"Hullo, you feller with the blue flannel shirt," cried one of the
rough-looking outsiders, addressing Fred, "did you do any thing towards
grabbing them ere chaps?" alluding to our prisoners.

"Them ere two fellers is hextry policemen, I suppose," cried a newly
arrived cockney, with great staring eyes, watching our movements as
eagerly as though we were wild animals confined for his especial
amusement.

"I wonder if the stealings are good in that department?" asked another.

"Do you hear, Murden?" Fred inquired, with a laugh, and a thought how
appropriate the question was under the circumstances.

"Curse the fellow's impudence," muttered the lieutenant; "but I'll learn
him a lesson that he'll remember for a few days," he continued; and then
turning to Maurice who was unsaddling his horse, he said,--

"Take a man with you and arrest that blackguard. I suspect him to be a
bushranger in disguise."

The policeman abandoned his horse on the instant, grasped his carbine,
spoke a word to a companion, and before the inquisitive genius, who
wished to know whether the stealings in the police force were good, had
a chance to think of his unfortunate remark, he was in custody, and
threatened with instant death if he even made a movement towards
resistance. He was hustled before the commander of the corps, and with
an indignant look and blustering voice, wanted to know for what he was
seized.

"You think that I don't know you," said Murden, in a tone of pretended
sternness, "but you are mistaken. You are Sam Firefly, the leader of a
gang of bushrangers. I knew you the instant that I got sight of your
face."

"So help me God, I'm not--I don't know the gentleman you speak of. I'm
a stranger here--I only arrived in Australia week before last;--for
God's sake let me go, and I won't do any thing but what you wish me to;"
and the fellow wrung his hands, and looked the very picture of woe and
fright.

"I think I'd better order you to be shot, for if I should let you off,
and find that you are Sam after all, I should always regret it," the
lieutenant said, with mock gravity.

"Don't shoot me; please don't--I never hurt anyone in my life. I'm only
in the country to make my fortune, and when I get it I'll leave. I swear
that I will."

"On those conditions, then, I will let you go--but remember, I shall
have an eye on you hereafter."

The fellow expressed his thanks in a confused manner, and darted from
the enclosure, and during the remainder of our stay at the stream we did
not hear an impudent remark concerning our blue flannel shirts or the
perquisites of Australian policemen. The heterogeneous maps were
suddenly struck with Murden's display of authority, backed as it was by
about a dozen men, well armed and ready to do his bidding without a
question or murmur.

Fires were lighted and kettles soon boiling, and the smell of burning
meat, as it crackled on the coals, made not only the hound but the weary
guard look with eager eyes for the call to breakfast.




CHAPTER XVII.

TRIUMPHAL ENTRY INTO MELBOURNE.


In spite of the intense heat and dust which greeted our arrival at
"Boomerang stream," we managed to sleep for a few hours, and then, after
a bath in the river, felt somewhat refreshed, and were anxious to
proceed on our journey. The sun was too high, however, and the plains
too heated to induce Murden to consent, so Fred and myself went on an
excursion through the various camps near us, and after much hard work we
were fortunate enough to get hold of a Boston paper, and then selecting
the most secluded spot that we could find, and the freest from dust, we
read to each other all the items of interest, and then commenced on the
advertisements, which latter we finished just as Michael called us to
supper.

Each party camped on the bank of the stream, had a fire burning, and the
never-failing dish of coffee preparing for their evening meal. Parties
of men were searching for their cattle, and driving them in, preparatory
to a start; and a scene of confusion, it appeared to me, seemed
inevitable; but to my surprise the oxen walked slowly towards the carts
to which they belonged, and submitted to having yokes placed wound their
necks, without that resistance which I had anticipated.

The sun had hardly disappeared before the first cart started on its
long journey for Ballarat. Another and another followed, and in a short
time we were the sole occupants of the camping ground.

In a few minutes after we had wished success to the last party that
crossed the stream our horses were saddled, and once more we resumed our
journey for Melbourne.

Nothing of general interest occupied our attention until we were within
a few miles of the city, when Murden sent one of his men forward to
announce his arrival to the captain of police, and to confide to him the
success which had attended his enterprise.

Maurice, the person sent, must have imparted the news to a dozen
friends, and they, probably, in turn told it to every one they met, for
just as we came in sight of the city, we were surprised to witness a
vast concourse of people on the road.

Some were on foot, and some on horseback, and every description of
vehicle in Melbourne appeared to have been pressed into speedy service,
and loaded down with men and women, anxious to get a glimpse of the
ferocious bushrangers, whose names had long been such a terror to all
having business beyond the limits of the city.

"We are in for it," said Murden, pointing towards the fast approaching
crowd. "Close up on each side of the cart, men, and let no one speak to,
or insult our prisoners!"

Before the crowd reached us, Smith deserted the side of his oxen for a
moment, and laid his hand upon my horse's bridle, saying,--

"You remember where you and Mr. Fred slept the first night you landed in
Melbourne?"

"To be sure I do," I replied; "in your house."

"And remember," he said, "I want you both to take up your quarters there
again. You will promise me this?"

"I think that we had better go to some hotel," I replied, fearing that
we should cause him trouble and expense.

"Don't think of such a thing; you will squander all of your money, and
receive no equivalent for it. Go to my house, and we'll live like
princes at a quarter the expense. Or, if you feel that you are too good
for the company of a felon--"

"Hold there, Smith," I said; "have we ever given you occasion to speak
thus?"

"No; but you will be petted and praised, and I fear that perhaps so much
attention will turn your hearts against me."

"Do not fear that," I rejoined, pressing his hand, which he returned,
until I thought my fingers were in a vice; "we found in you a friend,
and as such we shall continue to regard you until we leave the island."

"Then you will make my house your home?" Smith inquired.

"If you still insist, I answer that we had rather keep together, and be
under your roof, than to be lodged in the proudest hotel in Melbourne."

Smith's broad, red face was actually radiant with happiness, as he fell
back to his place; and as he had no other way of testifying his
happiness, he began cracking his long heavy whip, which started the
cattle into a trot, and shook up the bushrangers and the parrot so
roughly, that the latter yelled out,--

"Hullo! what's the row? Where's Bimbo? Stop, will ye?" questions which
were not answered, for just then our attention was attracted by a body
of mounted men, dressed in the same kind of uniform as our companions,
only their clothes did not look so soiled, and their arms were radiant
with recent polishing.

At their head rode a fine-looking, stout, red-faced man, who weighed
about two hundred pounds, and was a good specimen of a hale, hearty
Englishman.

"Hullo, Murden," he said; "what have you been doing to thus set the city
on fire? Is the news true, that you have had several engagements with
Darnley and Gulpin's gangs, and came out best?"

"Yes, sir," replied the lieutenant, touching his cap with an air of
respect; "I am happy to report that both Darnley and Gulpin are dead,
and that their gangs are either killed or prisoners."

"Why, you have done yourself and the police force great credit, Murden,
and I must talk with the lieutenant-governor about settling a pension on
you. But how is this--do you let your prisoners go at large?" and the
speaker pointed to Fred and myself with his riding whip.

"Your pardon, captain," replied Murden, "but those two gentlemen are
Americans, and volunteers of my force, and without their aid I should
have come back as wise as I went."

"Where did you pick them up?" I heard the police captain ask, in a half
whisper, as he rode beside the lieutenant.

"Hush, sir," we understood Murden to reply; "they are easy to take
offence, and are different from the majority of people who visit
Australia in search of gold."

"Americans, did you say?" the captain repeated; and as he glanced at us
from the corner of his eye, I heard him mutter, "They are not dressed
exactly in dinner costume, but there's a plucky look about the fellows
that I like, after all."

"I'm sure you'll like them, sir, after you've seen something of their
Yankee shrewdness," replied Murden; "if we could only get them to accept
of commissions in the police service, I'd pledge my pay for a year that
we'd free this part of the country of bushrangers in less than six
months."

"But won't they join?" inquired the captain, turning completely round in
his saddle, where he was riding in advance of us, to get a look at our
faces.

"I am afraid not," replied Murden; "they have got their American ideas
of independence, and are as firm set in their notions as our
countrymen."

"I'll have them yet," returned the captain. "I'll have them dressed up
and presented to Latrobe; he is an old courtier, and can wheedle the
devil with his tongue. When we reach the city, see that they are clothed
in decent suits, and are provided for."

Fred, who was riding by my side, overheard the conversation as well as
myself. We looked at each other and smiled, and thought how little the
captain knew of the American character, if he thought, we intended to
depend upon the bounty of himself or the lieutenant for clothing while
we possessed a dollar with which we could purchase for ourselves.

While the officers were conversing, the sergeants had formed their men
in such a manner that the crowd, which began to press eagerly forward,
was completely excluded from the cart, and could only get a sight at the
prisoners through a broken rank, or by peeping between the horses' legs.

Our entire into Melbourne was a perfect triumph; and to this day, I am
uncertain which excited the most curiosity--the chained bushrangers,
confined in the body of the cart, or Fred and myself, with our short
beards and unshaven faces, ragged clothes, and deadly array of rifles,
revolvers, and bowie knives.

The escort of policemen cleared the crowd, who stopped to gaze and ask
questions, and as the former advanced with their heavy horses and drawn
sabres, the latter receded to the right and left, leaving a space for
the procession to pass.

Down through Collins Street we went, every window on the thoroughfare
filled with eager faces anxious to get a sight of the novel procession,
and I don't know how many times Fred and I were pointed at by women, who
appeared to possess as much curiosity to see murderers as the sterner
sex, and called us bushrangers and villains; and once we were hooted at
by an excitable old lady, who did not for a long time discover her
mistake; and Smith afterwards told us in confidence, that he heard her
muttering, that if we were not bushrangers, our countenances belied us
shamefully, and she would not like to trust herself with us, after dark.

"Where do you intend to confine the prisoners, sir?" asked Murden of his
captain.

"At the barracks; as I consider them safer than the jail at the present
time," replied the captain of police.

"Why safer now than at any other time, sir?" inquired the lieutenant.

"Because, I do not know how many of the faces which I see around me may
belong to men who have an interest in the escape of the bushrangers.
Since you have been gone some strange things have come to light, and I
am induced to believe that men living here under our protection, and
trusted with our secrets, have been in league with the robbers of the
plains for months. How have the bushrangers always known when an
expedition was to be started for their extermination, and so faced it,
or kept out of the way, according to the numbers we sent, unless word
was carried by people who had our confidence? Be assured, Murden, that
as patriotic and great as we may think ourselves, there are those in our
midst, and, I believe, high in power, who do not scruple to accept of
bribes, even if the gold which is offered is stained with blood."

I thought, the lieutenant's cheeks blanched a shade paler than their
wont, and I imagined, considering he had a few hundred pounds' worth of
gold dust in his pockets, which formerly belonged to some honest man,
that he would get confused, and confess to the secret hoard which we had
discovered; but to my surprise he did no such thing, and returned an
answer that elicited my unbounded admiration, it was so cool.

"We must ferret out the parties," he said, in reply to his superior,
"and make an example, and that will strike terror to the hearts of those
disposed to accept bribes, hereafter."

"We will talk of this another time," replied the captain; "I feel now so
rejoiced to think that we have secured a number of bushrangers, that I
can hardly talk on any other subject. It was only last night Latrobe
sent for me, and wanted to know why I had done nothing towards rendering
a passage to the mines safe? The old fool! Why don't he send a company
of his idle soldiers to scour the country, if he thinks it is so very
easy to find those devils incarnate--the bushrangers?"

"Perhaps he keeps them in Melbourne because he has fears of his own
safety," replied the lieutenant, laughing.

"Perhaps so; but I'd rather trust to my police force than all the
soldiers in Australia. I suppose your two American friends will share in
the reward which has been offered?"

"I hope so, for right well do they deserve it," replied Murden,
heartily.

The multitude moved to and fro, and struggled to get glimpses of the
bushrangers in the cart, and a number of times the police were obliged
to strike those who pressed too near with the flat of their sabres, as a
slight rebuke for their curiosity; but with all the struggling I heard
no angry words pass, and for so large a crowd, it was the best natured
one I ever saw.

We drew up before a substantial-looking building, with an open square in
front, where a company of soldiers were parading.

A large gate was opened for our admission, and as soon as our party had
entered, it was shut and bolted, and the crowd excluded, although many
crawled upon the walls and sat there patiently, until the bushrangers
were placed under lock and key, in a strong dungeon, where hardly a ray
of light penetrated. A guard was stationed before the door with orders
to allow no one to converse with those inside, and then, for the first
time for many days, I and my friend found ourselves at liberty.

"Come," whispered Smith, "place your arms in the cart and we will go
home. There is nothing further for us to do."

"Hullo," we heard Murden shout, "where are you going to?"

We waited for a moment, until he, in company with the captain, came
within speaking distance, and then we replied,--

"We are going where we can get shelter and something to eat."

"Take them to the station, Murden, and let them stop there for the
night, and see that they have something to eat. To-morrow we will see
what we can do for them."

"We are able to take care of ourselves, sir," replied Fred, haughtily,
"and do not need the charities of a station house. When we do we will
let you know."

I saw the face of the captain turn a deep purple, as we continued our
walk, and I was not surprised to hear him thunder out,--

"Stop, sir; I wish to speak further with you."

"Any communication that you may have to make, we shall be pleased to
listen to, sir," I answered.

For the space of a minute the captain surveyed us from head to foot, as
though hardly knowing whether to be pleased or offended at our dignity;
but at length he exclaimed,--

"Who, in the devil's name, are you?"

"We are happy to say that we are Americans," rejoined Fred,
straightening his muscular form, and looking as proud of the title as a
senator just elected to congress.

"Blast it, that is not what I mean. Are you born gentlemen?" pettishly
exclaimed the captain.

"No one can be born gentle, but every man an be a gentleman if he but
studies the courtesies of life," remarked Fred.

"And have you so studied?" asked the captain, with a smile.

"All Americans study," replied Fred, "though perhaps no two are alike.
We try to be civil and attentive to all, and those qualities will pass
for good breeding all the world over."

"By heavens, you are right," cried the captain, with genuine English
bluffness, "and I should have known better than to have thought you
would have accepted of a bed at the station house. Come with me, and
make my house your home. I assure you both a welcome."

"You will excuse us, but we made an engagement before we entered the
city to stop at Smith's house, and we told him to rely upon our word."

"And do you prefer his company to mine?" asked the captain, with
astonishment.

"We are better acquainted with him," Fred said, evasively.

"But the man has been convicted as a felon and is only at liberty now on
parole."

"He has atoned for his fault, and has shown himself a brave man," I
replied.

"But with one word I can order him to prison again, and make him serve
out his sentence."

"You would not think of doing such an unkind act, I know," rejoined
Fred, with a smile.

"I don't know but I shall have to for no other reason than to get his
company away," said the captain, smiling; "you will pardon me if I
misjudged you both on account of your dress; we have many strangers
landing at our port, and if they disguise themselves in the clothing of
workmen, they must not feel slighted if they are taken for such."

"We are but workmen," I replied, "and to prove it, I will commence now.
You have it in your power to help confer a benefit, and I mean to work
until I get your consent to the scheme."

"Pray, what is it, sir? Any thing in my power I will do willingly."

"We wish the pardon of Smith, and your lieutenant will tell you that he
richly deserves it for the gallantry and mercy which he has shown."

"Your request is one fraught with difficulty, but I will see the
lieutenant-governor, Mr. Latrobe, and lay the subject before him.
Perhaps you would like to speak to the gentleman himself on the matter."

"Perhaps it would be better if we did," replied Fred, with no expression
of astonishment on his face at the proposal.

"Then I will get you an audience to-morrow afternoon, and mind, don't be
afraid to speak to the governor when you see him."

"Have no fear on that point," I replied, with a smile.

"Then good-by until to-morrow; I'll send Murden for you when the
governor is ready."

The captain so far forgot his aristocracy that he actually extended his
hand at parting, and shook our fists with a right good will.

We joined Smith, who was standing a short distance from us, and had
listened to every word that had been uttered with a face of scarlet, but
as we turned away, I heard the captain remark,--

"Those are singular young fellows, and somehow I begin to like them."

"Well, Smith," I said, as he drove his team from the yard, "we are to
have a hearing to-morrow, and perhaps in the evening may be able to
celebrate your liberation."

"It will hardly be of use to me," he replied, bitterly. "Let a man do
ever so well, the charge of once having been a convict will be repeated
in his ears until he is no longer able to hear it. God knows I have
repented of my crime, and only ask an opportunity to commence a new
life; and I heard the very man who should have shielded me, say, 'he's
only a convict,' and wonders that you dare trust your lives with me."

"He don't know you, Smith," replied Fred, consolingly. "Wait until he
hears of your bravery, and knows what you have done, and then you'll see
how quickly he will shake you by the hand, and congratulate you."

"Do you think so?" asked Smith, musing over Fred's words.

"I know it will be so; but be you ever so exalted or humble, Smith,
there's no man on the island we would sooner call friend."

"Then let them call me convict--if I but possess the esteem of two
honest men, who know me thoroughly, hard epithets will fall harmless."

Not another word was spoken during our walk through the streets of the
city to the suburbs, where stood the rough board house of Smith, exactly
as we had left it a month before. A dozen or twenty buildings had been
thrown together in the vicinity during our absence, and were occupied by
respectable looking people, who were engaged in business in Melbourne.

A number of fresh, rosy-faced women, true models of English wives, came
to their doors as we stopped, and apparently wondered who we were.

We unlocked the door, and found every thing undisturbed; and while Smith
drove off his team for the purpose of taking his oxen to pasture, I
started a fire in the old stove, and Fred went after water, and to get
the materials of a good supper together, which, by long fasting, we
keenly felt the need of.

By the time we had eaten our meal it was past sunset, when, recollecting
the business which was laid out for the morrow, we pressed Smith into
service, and started towards Collins Street for the purpose of buying
clothing suitable to wear when ushered into the presence of the
lieutenant-governor, who, we were given to understand, did not relish
flannel shirts and heavy boots, even if they did cover valued colonists.

By good luck we found a man who kept an assortment of really excellent
ready-made clothing, and after chatting with the fellow until he had
reduced his prices one half, we purchased two complete suits.

Pleased with our purchases, we carried them to the house, drank one bowl
of good punch, which Smith made as a sort of night-cap, as he termed it,
and then lighting our pipes, turned in, and after a brief review of the
events of the day, sank into a deep sleep.




CHAPTER XVIII.

LARGE FIRE IN MELBOURNE.--ENGLISH MACHINES AT FAULT.


I know not what the others were dreaming about, but I imagined myself
standing by a pile of brush and branches, on which was placed the dead
bodies of Black Darnley and his gang, and I thought that I had just
applied a match to the dry wood, and that the flames were soaring
heavenward, filling the sky with a luminous, blood-red color, and that
the corpses, as the fire licked their bodies, began shouting, in
derisive tones, for more fuel, when a hand was laid upon my shoulder,
and my dreams vanished in an instant. I sprang to my feet, and even then
but half awake, I reached for my revolver, and tried to recollect where
I was, and how I came there. The room, was as light as day, and through
the single window streamed the glare of such a fire as I had seen in my
dream.

I could hear the roaring of the flames, and a shouting of voices afar
off; and an old cracked bell, upon a church a short distance off, was
laboring hard to start into life the sleepers of the city.

"The city is on fire!" cried Smith, giving me another shake to awaken me
into consciousness; "all Collins Street appears to be in a bright
blaze."

"Wake Fred, and we will go and lend what assistance we can," I replied,
thoroughly aroused.

While Smith proceeded to do so, I stepped to the door, and surveyed the
scene, which was grand in the extreme; and I felt my blood course
through my veins wildly, as old recollections of volunteer service were
brought back, when gentlemen of the utmost respectability petitioned for
admittance to our organization.

That fire was like the blast of a trumpet, and all the old feelings,
which had lain dormant for many years, were revived, and I wished that I
had an engine and a brave company, to rush to the rescue. While I stood
surveying the flames, I was joined by Fred, an old fireman like myself,
but cooler, and not so impulsive.

"Do you see!" I exclaimed; "half of the city appears to be in flames,
and I do not hear the working of an engine. Let us hasten, and render
what assistance is possible."

"Where are your engine houses?" asked Fred, turning to Smith, who
appeared to be remarkably cool and unconcerned.

"That's more than I can tell, and I don't believe that even the captain
of police can find one, try he ever so hard," replied Smith.

"Do you mean that there are no regularly organized companies here, to
take charge of engines?" I asked.

"There are no engines nor companies, to my knowledge," Smith answered,
after a moment's thought.

"Then how do you arrest conflagrations like the present?" I asked.

"Well, we send for the police," he answered, with a laugh.

"Pshaw!" I replied, impatiently, "this is no time for joking. Your city
is burning down, and I do not hear the first effort to extinguish the
flames."

"But I do. Hark! do you not hear that trumpet?"

We all listened, and loud above the roaring of the flames, which were
filling the sky with showers of sparks, and dark, pall-like clouds of
smoke, we heard the shrill tones of a trumpet.

"What is the meaning of that blast?" I asked.

"It means that the soldiers are marching to the scene of the
conflagration," rejoined Smith, promptly.

"Ah, then they are to lend their aid in suppressing the flames?"

"They merely go for the purpose of seeing the building burn," replied
Smith, laconically.

"Explain yourself," I cried, impatiently.

"I will. They are marched to the fire simply for the purpose of being
drawn up in a line, and keeping people, who are disposed to work, away
from the flames."

I looked at Smith's face, to see if he was not joking; but no, he was
perfectly serious, and I began to have doubts about the ability of the
Australians to subdue a conflagration under such difficulties.

"Then nothing is done by the thousands of people standing idly by,
witnessing the destruction of property?" I asked.

"Well, sometimes I've known water-carts to bring water from the river,
and then a few adventurous fellows will offer to throw it on to the
fire. But the carts are not always to be depended upon."

"Let us go and see what we can do, Fred," I exclaimed, after the above
explanation; and although Smith told us we had better remain in the
house, for we should get no thanks or credit for our readiness to
assist, yet we did not heed his advice, and when he saw that we were
determined to go, he grumblingly offered to accompany us.

I locked the hound in the house, much against the animal's will, and
then we started for the scene of the conflagration. On our way, we met
and overtook hundreds of people bound on the same errand as ourselves;
but to our surprise, they manifested no show of excitement, and appeared
to regard the fire as a matter of course.

We hurried through the streets until we reached the thoroughfare in
which the conflagration was raging. A long line of soldiers was drawn up
to prevent people from approaching within twenty or thirty rods of the
fire, and within the circle which they formed, were mounted policemen
with drawn sabres.

There appeared to be no effort made to extinguish the fire; the
soldiers, instead of being employed to carry water, or save goods, or in
blowing up buildings to arrest the flames, leaned on their guns, and
looked as though they didn't care if the whole city was consumed, as
long as they got enough to eat and drink. The mounted police did not
seem employed to any better purpose, and the most that I observed them
do was to chase after a poor devil who squeezed through the lines in
some way, and appeared anxious to save his property, or what there was
left of it.

"Thank God!" exclaimed a stout man at my side, "the fire is confined to
the stores of Jews. I think I'll go back to bed again."

That remark made me begin to comprehend the reason of the apathy which
prevailed. The Jews were not entitled to sympathy on account of their
religion. They paid their taxes, and were as much entitled to protection
as Episcopalians, or men of other religious principles; but the stigma
of being a Jew followed them even to Australia, where people were none
too moral, and if they had not sold their Saviour it was because no one
wished to buy, thinking the investment a bad one.

I longed to get to work, and once or twice I asked an officer standing
near me to let us pass, and assist in extinguishing the flames. The
young fop looked at me with the utmost astonishment for a moment, and
then, thinking that I was an escaped lunatic, recommenced sucking the
hilt of his sword with renewed energy, and without returning any answer
to my petition.

"Don't mind him, poor fellow," said Fred, with a laugh at my want of
success in eliciting an answer from the office: "don't you see that he
is hungry, and misses the comfort which his Mother has been in the habit
of yielding."

The sword hilt was withdrawn from the young fellow's mouth in an
instant, and his face flushed as red as his scarlet uniform. He felt the
more annoyed, because half a dozen fellows, just from the mines, all of
whom were standing near, and had heard the conversation, set up a shout
of laughter. Even the soldiers smiled when their officer's back was
turned.

If the young fellow intended to make a reply, he was prevented, for just
then the rolling of a drum attracted his attention, and there was a
murmur through the crowd that the lieutenant-governor was coming to see
what could be done towards suppressing the conflagration.

The soldiers presented arms, as half a dozen plainly-dressed gentlemen
walked towards the end of the line where Fred, Smith, and myself were
stationed. They did not stop until within a few feet of us, and from the
attention which was bestowed upon one man, I had no difficulty in
deciding which was the governor.

"God bless me!" exclaimed the gentleman I supposed to be the governor, a
rather small man, with gray hair, and, I judged, about sixty years of
age; "God bless me!" he repeated, wringing his hands as though washing
them, and gazing upon the fire, "what a dreadful conflagration."

"The fire is making great headway, your excellency," said one of the
gentlemen in the governor's suite.

"God bless me, so it is," replied the governor. "How careless of the
Jews to let their stores get on fire. They give me a great deal of
trouble."

"But shall we not do something towards suppressing the flames?" asked
the first speaker, with an impatient gesture.

"God bless me, what can I do?" cried the governor, peevishly.

"There are two small engines in the city--they might be brought here and
worked to advantage," urged the aide-de-camp, for such I judged him to
be.

"Yes, yes, I know; but, God bless me, they won't _suck_."

I saw the governor's suite vainly endeavoring to suppress their smiles,
and for a moment, such was their mirth, no further conversation ensued.

At length the aid said,--

"That difficulty can be overcome, your excellency, by pressing the water
carts into service, and letting them bring water from the river for the
engines to use. Much property can be saved, also, by dismissing the
soldiers to the barracks with their arms, and then letting them return,
and pass water in buckets. I assure your excellency that the police
force is amply sufficient to keep order without the troops."

"God bless me, I believe that you are right," cried the governor, "but I
don't like to set the soldiers at such work. They spoil their uniforms,
and then the government has to supply them with new clothing, and I am
blamed for it."

"Then let the engines be brought here, and I pledge you my word that I
will find men enough in the crowd to work them without the soldiers'
assistance!" exclaimed the aid, energetically.

"God bless me, if you think they are of any use, bring them here; but I
don't know a person in Melbourne who understands working them."

His excellency's remark appeared to stagger the aide-de-camp, for by the
light of the flames I saw him bite his lips with vexation, and glance
over the crowd, as though wishing that he could find somebody who would
come to his rescue.

Fred and myself could no longer keep silent. We thought, that we saw an
opening for our talent that should not be lost, so giving the nearest
soldier a slight push one side, and narrowly escaping a thrust from a
bayonet in return, we suddenly stood before the astonished group.

"We have come to ask permission to take charge of your engines," Fred
said, before the aide-de-camp could find breath to order us into
custody, and the soldiers appeared disposed to make prisoners of us
before the word was given.

"God bless me, what is the meaning of this?" cried the governor, putting
his eye-glass up, and surveying us from head to foot, as though we were
animals of the _rara avis_ species.

"Stand back, soldiers," cried the aide-de-camp, in a tone of command,
when he saw that the men were disposed to force us amongst the crowd
again, "return to your ranks, and leave me to deal with these men."

"Now, my men, what do you wish?" asked the aid; and we knew by the tones
of his voice that he possessed the spirit of a man, and would know how
to appreciate the services which we were disposed to render.

"We accidentally overheard a remark from the governor, that there was no
one in Melbourne who understood the working of your fire-engines, so we
have come to volunteer our services," Fred said, boldly.

"God bless me, but this is most extraordinary," said the governor,
turning to his suite for confirmation of his words.

"Have either of you ever been accustomed to the working of an engine?"
asked the aid.

"We have both belonged to a volunteer fire department," I said, "and if
the machines are not entirely out of repair, we think that we can work
them to advantage."

"I was not aware that there was a volunteer system in England," said the
aid, whom we now understood was Colonel Hensen. He spoke in a slightly
sarcastic manner, as though he had caught us in a falsehood and was
determined to fathom our motives.

"We were not speaking of England, sir," I said, with some little
asperity.

"Pray, what country do you allude to, then, if I may ask?" the colonel
inquired.

"We meant our country, sir; we are not Englishmen, but Americans."

I saw the frown vanish from the brow of Colonel Hensen, and a look of
good nature passed over his face; but before he had an opportunity to
speak, the governor had his eye-glass up, and exclaimed,--

"God bless me, you don't mean to say that because you are Americans you
can extinguish this fire? Pray, what part of the United States do you
come from, that you possess such assurance?"

"We were both born within the shadow of Bunker Hill, your excellency,
and that famous spot overlooks Boston, a city of some importance in
America."

I heard a good-natured laugh at Fred's speech, although I was fearful
that those present would not relish joking at their ancestors' expense.
But I was mistaken; even the withered features of Mr. Latrobe relaxed
their expression of distrust, and he cried, "God bless me," and wrung
his hands for a minute or two before he spoke.

"If these young men think they can do any good with the engines, why,
God bless me, I don't know but they had better take charge of them," the
governor said, after a brief survey of the fire, and seeing what headway
it was making.

"I will answer for these two young men, your excellency," said a deep
voice, whose tones we recognized; and looking up, I found that our old
acquaintance, the captain of police, had approached us, unseen, and
overheard a part, of the discussion.

"Ha, captain," cried the governor, "you don't mean to say that you know
these two persons? God bless me, how singular."

"Not very extraordinary, sir, when I tell you that these are the
Americans whom I asked your excellency to receive to-day, and whose
petition I hope you will grant," replied the captain.

"God bless me, it isn't possible that these are the two Americans who
have been killing and making prisoners of those bushranging villains?
Why, they have hardly grown to be men!"

The governor seemed to forget the fire, for he surveyed us through his
eye-glass, and whispered to members of his suite, and said that he hoped
"God would bless him;" and I am sure I hope that the Almighty will, for
Mr. Latrobe has asked for it often enough.

Fred and myself were the centre of observation, and perhaps our modesty
was a little touched, for we heard the captain whisper to Colonel
Hensen, something like the following:--

"Murden tells me they are perfect dare-devils, and care no more for a
gang of bushrangers than for a troop of kangaroos. I am going to coax
them to enter the service."

I don't think that by morning there would have been a single Jewish
house or Christian store left in Collins Street if we had not again
reminded the governor that the fire was raging more fiercely than ever,
and that if the flames were to be checked it was high time to commence
work.

"Our American friends are right," said Colonel Hensen, "and if your
excellency is disposed to comply with their request no time is to be
lost."

"God bless me, then let them go to work without delay. I give them full
power to take as many men as they please to work the engines, and if
they succeed in quenching the flames they shall be well rewarded."

"We ask for no reward, sir," I said, "but we do ask for one hundred of
these soldiers. Let them be despatched after the machines without
delay."

The governor hesitated for a moment, and then gave Colonel Hensen
directions to comply with my request.

Two companies deposited their arms in a building near by, and were
detailed for the duty, while an officer was sent to hunt up the water
carts, and get them filled at the river, so that the engines could have
something to work upon.

We set Smith at work hunting up buckets, and then accepted volunteers,
who formed a long line, and passed the pails back and forth with great
rapidity.

A dozen reckless miners, just from the diggings, clambered to the tops
of the houses nearest to the fire, and dashed the water on the roof and
sides, and by this means held the flames in check until other lines were
formed. In half an hour nearly fifteen hundred buckets were at work, and
thrice that number of volunteers were lending their aid.

Fred and myself were every where, encouraging and giving directions; the
police, seconded our efforts, and saw that our orders were carried into
effect, and they did so the more readily because we recognized all of
our old companions of bush-hunting memory, and they quickly imparted our
history to the rest of the force.

By the time our lines were in good working order we heard the rumbling
of the engines, and with hearty cheers the soldiers dashed into the
hollow square, the crowd opening to the right and left to admit them.
With perfect firemen's enthusiasm they ran the machines close to the
flames, unlimbered the huge tongues which obstructed half the street,
and were nearly as large as the engines themselves, and then, with a
recollection of their discipline, touched their fatigue caps, and asked
what was to be the next move.

We looked at our unpromising machines and found that they were of
English make, and capable of throwing a stream about as large as garden
engines. They were covered with dust and dirt, and had not been worked
for a twelvemonth; but nothing discouraged, we washed some of the
thickest of the cobwebs away, examined the screws, filled the dry and
cracked boxes with water, adjusted the hose, and then applied the
brakes. A low, wheezing sound was heard, which resembled the breathing
of a person troubled with asthma, but no water was ejected.

The soldiers laughed, and ridiculed the machines, and the crowd outside
of the square getting wind of our failure, shouted in derision at the
"governor's pets," as they were called.

"I say, old fellows," cried a voice, "I've got a syringe in my trunk at
home that you can use. It will be of more service than those machines."

"Grease 'em," shouted another.

"Play away, No. 2," yelled a loafer.

"Hold on, No. 1," shouted a fourth; and as No. 1 had been compelled to
hold on for the want of water, which leaked from the boxes almost as
fast as put in, the joke told hugely.

"You can do nothing with them," said Colonel Hensen, joining us, and
noticing the condition of the machines. "I think that you had better
send them back to the houses, and depend upon the buckets. The fire has
not gained headway for fifteen minutes."

"We are not easily discouraged, sir," replied Fred, and together we
proceeded to examine the boxes of the engines attentively.

We found a screw, which regulated the flow of water, nearly off, and the
plug in the bottom of the box out. The latter explained the leakage at
once, and by the time we had regulated matters the water carts arrived,
and once more we filled the boxes and started the brakes. After wheezing
and sputtering a moment, a slight stream appeared at the nozzle of the
hose. It was greeted with yells of laughter, not only from those who
were passing water in buckets, but even the soldiers joined in the
cries. The crowd took up the yells, and in a few minutes it seemed as
though Bedlam had broken loose.

Not discouraged by the ridicule heaped upon us and the engines, we kept
the boxes full and the soldiers at work on the brakes. The result was as
we had anticipated. The stream grew larger and larger as the wood and
leather began to swell, and in a few minutes after the brakes were
applied the second time a noble stream was playing on the flames, and
the root's and sides of houses in danger of burning.

Crowds are always fickle, and easily swerved by success or failure. In
this instance we had no reason to complain of want of applause, for
cheer after cheer was raised in honor of our perseverance, and Colonel
Hensen was despatched by the governor to thank us on the spot for our
labor.

Leaving the hose to be directed by an intelligent sergeant of one of the
companies, we next turned our attention to the second engine, and
succeeded in repairing that also; and although at times we were obliged
to await the arrival of the water carts to keep the boxes filled, having
no hose for draughting, we managed to keep up two decently sized
streams, and with the assistance of the buckets, prevented the fire from
spreading to other buildings.

All night long did we work, sometimes up to our knees in mud,
encouraging and directing--running greater risks of being crushed under
falling buildings than I should like to enjoy again--resisting the
appeals of Jews, who offered large amounts of money if we would only
direct the men to save their houses and stores, and getting well abused
when we refused to comply--treating all alike, working for the greatest
good, until daylight appeared and the fire was subdued, and Melbourne
was saved from destruction.

I looked around for the lieutenant-governor. He had wrung his hands
three hours before, and asked "God to bless him," and declared that he
was tired and must retire to bed, and to bed he had gone; and the only
member of his staff on the ground was Colonel Hensen.

"You have worked hard enough, gentlemen," said the officer, shaking our
hands with a friendly grip. "Go to your home, and leave the rest to me
and my men."

"We do not feel near as tired as those gallant fellows," Fred said,
pointing to the soldiers who still manned the brakes of the engines.

"I intend to have them relieved immediately, and allow them all day to
get rested," answered the officer.

"Then we will return home, for our presence is no longer needed here," I
replied.

"Before you go let me thank you in the name of the lieutenant-governor.
Through your instrumentality thousands of pounds' worth of property has
been saved; and our merchants owe you a debt of gratitude which I hope
they will repay before you leave the city."

"We hope thanks will be the only coin offered," cried Fred, quickly,
"for we would not have you think that we have labored through the night
for hire. If we have been instrumental in doing your city a service we
are glad of it, because it may be the means of obtaining a better
reputation for Americans than they have hitherto enjoyed in Australia."

"I shall ever look upon Americans with respect from this time forward,"
the colonel said, warmly. Once more he shook our hands, and then we
called Smith and edged our way through the crowd to the rude house,
where I found the hound had broken half a dozen panes of glass in his
desperate attempts to escape and join me.

Tired and almost exhausted with our night's work, we quickly threw
ourselves upon our hard beds, and slept soundly, nor did we awaken until
the loud baying of the hound aroused us.




CHAPTER XIX.

PARDON OF SMITH AND THE OLD STOCKMAN.--GRAND DINNER AT THE GOVERNOR'S.


"Hullo," I heard somebody shout; "is this the way you receive your
friends? Call off the dog, or he'll eat me for his dinner."

I started up and spoke to the hound, and then saw, to my surprise, that
our visitor was no other than the captain of police.

"Excuse me for disturbing you," he said, taking a seat, and looking
around the room with a quiet smile upon his broad face. "I know that
you have had a hard night's work, and need rest; and I should not have
presumed to awaken you, had I not feared that you would forget the
audience which his excellency has granted on this afternoon."

"At what time, may I ask?" I inquired, trying to look as though I was
awake--in which I did not fully succeed, I am afraid, for the captain
said, kindly,--

"There, there, go to bed again, and let the audience be postponed until
to-morrow. Latrobe will readily understand why you are not present, and
if he does not, I will get Colonel Hensen to explain the reason. By the
way, speaking of the colonel, he has grown to be a sworn friend to both
of you, and as he has the governor's ear in all matters, I think it will
be well to speak to him in a candid manner, and enlist his aid."

We bowed, without speaking at the advice, and the captain continued,--

"Then I will ask the governor to postpone your interview until
to-morrow, if you desire it."

"By no means," exclaimed Fred, the last words thoroughly arousing him.
"We have not had much rest for a number of nights, but we are not so
tired that we cannot keep an appointment. We shall be ready at the time
you state."

"Then in two hours' time I will send Murden for you. By the way," the
captain continued, in a careless tone, "if there is any thing I can help
you to, command me."

We knew that the captain alluded to our clothes, but we merely shook our
heads and declared that we had a full supply. He looked incredulous, but
was too polite to contradict, and was about to depart, when he suddenly
said,--

"By the way, I don't suppose you have seen the morning papers? Here are
the Argus and Herald. You may like to look over them, as they contain an
account of the fire, and mention the gallant conduct of two American
gentlemen who were present."

The captain laid down the papers, and was off without a word of
explanation. We felt that keen curiosity characteristic of Americans
when they know that their names are in print, and hardly had the sound
of the hoofs of the captain's horse died away before we spread open the
sheets, and after hunting over a column of matter which related to
losses, with the names of individuals, we came across the following,
headed,--

"INCIDENTS.--During the fire this morning, two young men, whose names
are unknown, but whom we hope to discover before our next issue, made
their way to his excellency the governor, and volunteered to take the
whole charge of the fire, and put the two hitherto almost useless
engines in working order. After some hesitation on the part of his
excellency, consent was given, and two companies of a regiment allotted
to man the brakes. Under the direction of the young men the machines
were brought into action, and were the means of saving property to a
large amount. We also hear it stated that the same parties organized the
lines of buckets, although we do not vouch for the truth of the
statement."

"P.S.--Since writing the above, we learn that the young men are
Americans, and are the same who appeared in the procession yesterday
afternoon. They have been engaged by the police force for the last three
weeks in hunting bushrangers. We shall give the public the most reliable
information to be obtained concerning them, and shall issue an extra
containing a history of their lives and adventures, illustrated with
correct likenesses."

"I wonder how the editor expects to get a history of our lives, and a
correct likeness?" laughed Fred, laying down the Argus and taking up the
Herald.

The latter paper was more disposed to glorify the governor and his
government than ourselves, and as Mr. Latrobe was not in great favor
with the citizens of Melbourne and the miners at the time, an attempt
was made to create some capital for him. The article read as follows:--

"Our readers will recollect that the lieutenant-governor promised the
miners that the roads between the city and Ballarat should be free of
robbers in less than six months. Hardly three months have passed, and we
find that his excellency has made good his assertion. He has taken the
most active measures to bring to speedy justice the numerous gangs of
bushrangers who have preyed upon travellers and escorts, going to and
returning from the mines. Already have two of the most formidable
robbers in the country fallen, and with them the destruction of their
followers. Black Darnley and Jim Gulpin are both dead. They have paid
the penalty of their crimes, and the community will thank the government
for the active measures which were taken to bring about such a result.
Our police department is now in a better state of efficiency than ever
known before; and it is the determination, we understand, of the
governor to increase its force until he has redeemed his pledge, and
made Australia a law-loving and law-abiding country.

"We understand that the two men whose dress and appearance occasioned so
many remarks while the procession was moving through our streets
yesterday afternoon, are two recruits who are to be added to the police
force with the rank of sergeants. They were both born in the United
States, but their parents are English, and still claim Great Britain as
their homes. We understand that they distinguished themselves gallantly
in the conflict which ensued between the bushrangers and the police, and
for that reason they are to be rewarded by being taken into our
municipal force.

"P.S.--We understand that the men mentioned above were very active at
the fire this morning, and that if any property was saved by their
efforts the governor should have the credit for the same, for to him
belongs the suggestion of allowing the police force to work as firemen,
and also giving his consent, that the military should have charge of the
engines. We hope the citizens of Melbourne will remember these facts,
and know in what light to regard the attacks made upon his excellency by
the Argus, whose editor left England for causes which have not yet
transpired, although we dare say that communications addressed to the
Home office would be promptly answered."

"Well, of all the impudence," laughed Fred. "The puppy should be
whipped--and I've a great mind to go and do it"

"I don't see any thing to be enraged at," I replied, coolly. "Because he
says that we are to enter the police force, does not make it so; and as
for the rest of his remarks, you are too good an American not to think
highly of the man for his ingenious effort to create popularity for his
favorite office-holder."

Fred smiled as he thought of the freedom of the press in our country,
and I heard no more about whipping the unfortunate editor of the Herald.

"Come," cried Smith, who had sat silent during our reading of the
papers, "you must be getting ready for your visit to the governor. He
receives at three, and dines about six."

"I suppose we shall have to stop and dine with him," said Fred, with a
sly wink at me.

"You surely don't think of such a thing?" demanded Smith, with horror
depicted upon his face.

"Why, you don't pretend to say that the governor is any better than us
poor adventurers?" asked Fred.

Smith struggled a moment with his feelings, as though trying to find a
suitable reply in which he should not offend us, and yet not outrage the
exalted idea which he entertained respecting his excellency. At length
love for us overcame his reverence, and he blubbered out.--"Hang it, you
know what I mean--the governor is placed in a high position, but I'd
rather have a shake of your hands than fifty men like him. Don't talk to
me any more, but get ready to visit him; and if he don't ask you to
dinner, all that I can say is, he don't know you as well as I do."

We followed the advice of Smith without a word of remonstrance, and in a
short time our long, ragged beards had fallen before the sharp edges of
our razors, and after a refreshing bath in a tub, the only bathing-pan
we could find in the city, we dressed ourselves in our new clothes, and
once more felt that clean linen was more becoming to gentlemen, in spite
of its democracy, than blue flannel.

For the first time for many months were our limbs encased in
broad-cloth, and our feet denied the privilege of an extended range of
sole leather. Smith surveyed us, and rubbed his hands with delight. We
had evidently made an impression upon him in our new dresses, and to
tell the truth, we felt somewhat vain of it.

Punctual to the hour, we heard some one drive up to the door, and were
in a moment greeted by Murden, although at first he did not recognize
the two demure looking strangers seated in the room as his late
companions.

His grip was none the less hearty, however, and even while he was asking
a half dozen different questions concerning us, he hurried us along into
a vehicle that somewhat resembled a chaise, although much heavier, and
drawn by two horses.

The lieutenant assumed the reins, and away we rattled, the hound
bounding by the side of the carriage, and sometimes making playful snaps
at the horses' heads, causing the animals to swerve from the middle of
the road, much to Murden's disgust and the dog's delight.

"I heard of your doings last night," Murden said, as we rattled towards
the government house, causing people to stare in astonishment at the
recklessness of our pace. "You did nobly, I am told, and those blasted
Jews had ought to come down liberally with their dust, in the shape of a
present."

"We were not working in the expectation of reward," Fred began, when the
lieutenant cut him short.

"I know all about that, but if those cussed Jews are disposed to give
you any thing, don't refuse to accept it, because it would gratify them
too much."

Before we had an opportunity to enter into an argument, the carriage was
driven, with much parade, up to the door of a substantial, freestone
house, before which a number of soldiers were keeping guard, as though
there was danger of the governor being run away with by some
evil-disposed persons unless there was a show of force.

We were shown through a long entry, or corridor, and ushered into a
reception room, plainly furnished, and with only one engraving hanging
from the walls. It was a likeness of the queen, in coronation robes,
opening parliament.

Half a dozen persons were lounging in the room, awaiting an audience;
and as we were the last comers, of course all eyes were directed upon
us, and we could read an expression upon their faces, as much as to say,
"what in the deuse do they want with the governor?"

Murden nodded carelessly to those present, and when one, more
inquisitive than his fellows, took him by the button hole, and, in a
whisper, asked him who we were, I heard him say, in reply,--"Hush! don't
pretend to look at them, or they will shoot you without mercy. They are
Americans, and carry revolvers and bowie knives by the dozen."

The inquirer, rather a small sized man, after that hardly removed his
eyes from us, and when word came from the governor that we were to be
shown into his room, the little fellow looked after us as though he
never expected to see such a sight again, and was determined to improve
his opportunity.

We mounted a flight of stairs, broad and imposing, as became a
governor's palace, and then the servant, who had us in charge, stopped
before an open door, at which was stationed a man in livery. To the
latter was given our names, and in a loud voice the fellow repeated
them; at the same time he stood aside and allowed us to pass into the
presence of his excellency, the lieutenant-governor.

Mr. Latrobe was standing near a window, which overlooked the street, and
was conversing with Colonel Hensen, the captain of police, and a number
of other gentlemen, whose faces we were not acquainted with.

Colonel Hensen advanced to meet us as we entered, and then, in due form,
presented us to the governor.

"God bless me," said his excellency, rubbing his hands as though he had
caught cold the night before, and he wished to quicken the circulation
of his blood, "God bless me, can it be possible?"

He didn't say what it was that surprised him so much, but I gave a
shrewd guess that our change of costume had improved our appearance to
such a degree that we should have been passed in the street by our most
intimate friends unrecognized.

"Don't be backward in making known your wants," whispered the colonel,
while the governor was wringing his hands.

"Both of you, gentlemen, are entitled to my warmest gratitude for the
zeal which you displayed last night," the governor at length said, "and
I embrace the present opportunity to thank you. God bless me, I wish
that all of the emigrants who reach our shores were of the same stamp.
We should be more prosperous and happy."

"We trust, for the honor of America, that all who claim our country as
their home will never give your excellency cause of uneasiness," Fred
said, with a slight how.

"God bless me, I hope not," echoed the governor. "But I have great cares
on my mind, great cares; and sometimes I think that I shall have to
return to old England, and let some younger man occupy my place."

The governor's suite maintained a profound silence, which struck us as
very singular; but then we did not know that a new ruler was on his way
to Australia, and that the home government had got most heartily tired
of the vacillating policy of Mr. Latrobe, and that the several gentlemen
who surrounded him were aware of it, and were all ready to pay court to
the rising star, as soon as he set foot ashore at Melbourne.

Finding that no one replied, the governor slowly chafed his hands, and
said--

"We owe you another debt of gratitude, I believe, for the gallantry
which prompted you to risk your lives, when you joined forces with our
police. You intimated that you had some request to make of me, as a
reward for your conduct. Pray, let me hear what your petition is, and if
it be reasonable, I will grant it."

For the first time did the governor seem to act the part of a ruler. He
threw off, as with a violent effort, all of his shuffling and weakness,
and stood before us a man. Perhaps the little sympathy which he saw
expressed upon the faces of his suite was the cause of his changing.

"If we have been instrumental in freeing your roads of robbers," I said,
calmly and distinctly, "it is not because we thirsted for the blood of
the unfortunate men, but simply from a desire to pass to and from the
mines without molestation. We do not, of course, know in what light the
captain of police has reported our conduct, but there are others more
deserving than ourselves, and to them should be awarded all the credit,
if, indeed, there is any credit in resisting when attacked."

"I think that mention was made concerning two convicts who had displayed
considerable bravery, but it had nearly escaped my mind. Do your remarks
refer to them?" inquired the governor.

"They do, sir," I said, "and in their behalf do we appear before you
to-day, knowing that your excellency will kindly consider all we say,
and grant our petition."

"Go on, sir," said the governor, with a wave of his hand that was full
of grace and dignity.

"The two convicts who were brought to the notice of your excellency
fought with us side by side, and in one engagement, a band of desperate
bushrangers were destroyed before the police made their appearance.
Black Darnley, the leader of the gang, was killed, and knowing that a
large reward was offered for his arrest or death, we thought your
excellency would exercise your usual clemency and grant the men a free
pardon for their past offences."

"You know not what you ask for," said the governor, hastily, and I
thought impatiently; and then in a milder tone he continued: "I am so
hampered by the home government that I rarely interfere in such matters,
and would much rather some other request were preferred."

"But let your excellency consider. These men have been on tickets of
leave for a number of years, and not a word of complaint has been
received against them. I believe that I am justified in referring to the
captain of police for confirmation of my words."

The captain bowed, and smiled at my earnestness, and I continued:

"One of them, by honest industry, has accumulated a large property, but
the dreadful sentence of the court still clings to him, and if an enemy,
actuated by the desire to despoil him of his fortune, should prefer a
complaint, he would be arrested and consigned to the hulks, to die
perhaps of a broken heart. That is not the proper fate of a gallant man,
who has the good of the colony at heart, and is willing to shed his
blood in its defence."

"Ask of me any thing but the pardon of the two persons you mention, and
I shall be most happy to grant it," replied the governor, after a
moment's thought, and a half irresolute glance at Colonel Hensen, as
though asking his opinion before deciding.

"We have no other request to make, may it please your excellency,"
answered Fred, with dignity. "We came to Melbourne expressly to ask for
the men's pardon, and as it is not granted, you will allow us to take
our leave."

We bowed and stepped towards the door. The governor looked astonished at
our independence, and after a moment's whispering with his suite, he
recalled us.

"On one condition will I comply with your request," he said, and I saw
that the old weakness had returned to his face, and that he was no
longer the dignified executive officer.

"We await the proposition," I said.

"Why, the fact is, I have heard such good accounts of both of you, that
I am desirous of retaining your services. You are anxious for the full
pardon of the two convicts. I will comply with your request provided you
enter the police service for five years. The rank of lieutenants will he
bestowed on both of you."

"We are under the necessity of declining your intended kindness,"
replied Fred, ironically, "and as we cannot obtain what we wish without
sacrificing our independence, we again take our leave."

I saw a smile of satisfaction beam on the face of the colonel, and I
knew that our course met his approval.

"God bless me, what do they want?" asked the governor, in an agony of
irresolution, appealing to the colonel.

"They ask for no more than what your excellency should grant," replied
the colonel, bluntly.

"But suppose the convicts should commit fresh crimes after I have
pardoned them?" asked the governor. "What would the home office say?"

"Point to the good which the men have done, and see if it does not
outweigh heavy faults," replied the colonel.

"You are right, and the petition of the young men is granted. Call
to-morrow at the office of the secretary, and obtain the documents; at
the same time let me inform you that if the home office does not concur
in my decision, the pardons are void. I do not anticipate any serious
objections, however, when I state the reasons which have governed my
conduct."

We thanked his excellency in suitable terms, and were about turning
away, when an almost imperceptible movement on the part of Colonel
Hensen claimed our attention. Slight as it was, we understood him, and
determined to strike while the iron was hot.

"We do not wish to give your excellency unnecessary trouble, but if you
would instruct your secretary to furnish the pardons this afternoon, we
know of one man who will receive it as the greatest birthday present
that can be given him."

"God bless me, is that the case?" cried the governor.

We repeated our statement that Smith's birthday would be celebrated in a
becoming manner, if his excellency was disposed to be lenient.

"Then God forbid that I should be the cause of any one's unhappiness.
Mr. Secretary, prepare the documents, and I will sign them immediately."

The governor had hardly ceased before the gentleman referred to had left
the room. While he was absent a number of questions was asked us
concerning our country, and I think a few of our replies surprised not
only Mr. Latrobe, but the staff which surrounded him.

"God bless me! it's marvellous to think of. The Americans are a great
people, there's no denying it, and I think in time will even equal the
parent country."

We did not enter into any argument with those present concerning the
relative strength of the two nations, but just as a question was
addressed to us regarding our navy, the secretary returned and handed
two papers to the governor, who, after a brief glance at their contents,
affixed his signature, and handed the documents to us.

"There, I have gratified you, young gentlemen, and now I request a
return for my kindness," said the governor, smiling.

"Any thing that your excellency may wish," stammered Fred, hardly
knowing what was coming.

"I wish both of you to stop and dine with me to-day, and if you refuse,
never ask me for another pardon."

The governor smiled good-humoredly as we hesitated, and before we knew
how to frame an excuse we were moving towards the dining-room arm-in-arm
with Colonel Hensen and the captain of police.

That dinner will long live in my memory, not only for the good cheer, to
which we had long been strangers, but for the social manner in which we
were treated by the governor and his guests.

Even the hound, who had received a large share of attention, was
permitted to enter the dining-room, and by the manner in which his eyes
glistened I thought he appeared to enjoy himself as well as the rest of
the company.




CHAPTER XX.

DUEL BETWEEN FRED AND AN ENGLISH LIEUTENANT.


Even at this distant day, I think that I have a faint recollection of
walking through the streets of Melbourne at a late hour on the afternoon
that we dined with the governor--and I also think that we were escorted
to our home by Colonel Hensen, and a number of other gentlemen, although
who they were I have not the slightest recollection.

It was a late hour the next morning, when we awoke with aching heads and
parched throats. Our faithful friend, Smith, was stirring, and by the
aroma we knew that a strong dish of coffee had been prepared by his
hands, and that it awaited us as soon as we rose--an act which we had no
inclination to do; but a sight of his sorrowful face as he spread the
table, made me alter my mind.

I slipped on my clothes, and bathed my heated head in cool water just
taken from the river, and felt refreshed by the operation; and by the
time Fred had gone through with the same process, breakfast was
pronounced ready, and down to it we sat with but scant appetites.

"What have you got such a long face on for this morning?" I asked of the
stockman, who hardly raised his eyes while he was drinking his coffee.

"Can you ask?" he replied, looking up, and I saw by the expression of
his face that he had not slept during the night.

"Can I ask?" I repeated, "to be sure I can. We got a little out of the
way last night, but the circumstance is too common to provoke remark in
Australia."

"Ah, it was not that I was thinking about. I was considering how unkind
the governor has treated me, in not granting me freedom after so many
years of good conduct," replied Smith.

"O, is that all?" I cried, with an appearance of indifference. "I
thought you were sick, or had heard some bad news."

I saw the poor fellow's face flush at my apparently unkind speech, and I
saw an expression of surprise in his blue eyes which cut me to the
heart. I sprang from the table, and taking from my coat pocket the two
pardons, laid them before him without a word of remark.

His eyes were, the instant he read his name, blinded with tears. He laid
his head upon the table, and wept long and bitterly without speaking,
and his stout frame shook with the violence of his emotion. We suffered
him to continue without interruption; but when he did look up, he
grasped our hands, and pressed them convulsively, muttering,--

"At length, O, at length, I'm a free man, and no longer subject to a
keeper's nod. I can call my soul and body my own property, and look a
policeman in the face without trembling. Ah, blessed liberty, how much I
have longed for thee!"

He kissed the pardon--he kissed his name, which was written in a bold
hand on the document--and then pressed to his lips the signature of the
governor.

"Do you now feel truly happy?" asked Fred.

"I feel so joyous that there is nothing on earth which I crave," replied
Smith.

"Then we may ask you to lend us your aid before many days, and I hope
that you will not refuse."

"Me refuse? Ask of me the most difficult task and I will do it; for to
you do I owe freedom," cried our friend, enthusiastically.

Fred was about to confide to him the secret of the buried treasure, and
solicit his aid, when we were interrupted by the entrance of a stranger,
dressed in the uniform of an English officer.

"I beg your pardon, sirs," he said, glancing around the hut with a
slightly supercilious air at the want of comfort which was plainly
manifest, "but I think I have entered the wrong house."

"We cannot tell whether you have or not, until we know what your
business is," replied Fred.

"My business has reference to two gentlemen who dined with the governor
yesterday, and were conspicuous at the fire night before last," replied
the officer, who was a young man, and of prepossessing appearance.

"Then it is very probable we are the parties," said Fred, carelessly.
"We dined with the governor yesterday, and we did something towards
extinguishing the fire on Collins Street night before last."

"One other question, gentlemen, and I shall be certain. Are you
Americans?" demanded the officer.

"We claim the United States as our home, and to the best of our belief,
we were born there," I answered, wondering what the fellow was driving
at.

"Then you will excuse me for the disagreeable duty which I have taken
upon myself. Night before last one of you gentlemen addressed words of
an insulting nature to a brother officer. As long as he thought you were
beneath the rank of gentlemen he did not choose to notice them, but the
governor having recognized you as an equal, my friend feels that he can
safely demand satisfaction, or an ample apology for your remark."

"Why," said Fred, with a soft smile, "this looks to me like a
challenge."

"It is one," replied the Englishman.

"And I am expected to retract the words which I uttered, or be shot?"
asked Fred.

"If you are the gentleman who uttered them, I must reply, yes," answered
the officer.

"Well, upon my word. I hardly know what I did say," cried Fred. "Do you
recollect?" he added, appealing to me.

I shook my head, and remained silent. I was thinking of the danger my
friend was in, and wondering how I could get him out of it.

"I think that my friend had the hilt of his sword in his mouth, and your
allusion was to the infantile instinct which prompted him to do so,"
replied the officer, looking red in the face.

"O," laughed Fred, "did the youngster take offence at my words? Tell him
that hereafter I will swear that he was brought up on a bottle.'

"This is no apology, sir," cried the officer, inclined to laugh.

"Isn't it? Well, it's all that I am disposed to give, at present;" and
Fred helped himself to a fresh cup of coffee.

"By the way," I continued, "perhaps you have not been to breakfast. Pray
be seated, and have a dish of coffee."

The officer hesitated for a moment, but thinking, perhaps, that he could
best arrange the affair while sipping coffee, he finally took his seat
upon an old box, while Smith helped him to a cracked cup minus a saucer.

"Then there is no way of arranging this little affair, is there?" asked
the officer, whom we now understood was Lieutenant Merriam.

"O, yes, there are half a dozen ways," replied Fred, coolly. "In the
first place, your friend can withdraw his challenge--"

"Never!" exclaimed the officer, firmly. "We feel too deeply injured."

"And in the next place, I can refuse to accept it," Fred continued,
without noticing the interruption.

"But you will apologize," cried Merriam, eagerly. "Say that you will do
that, and I will take my leave."

"Then I shall do no such thing, for we are not often forced into the
company of her majesty's officers, and we wish to improve the
acquaintance."

The lieutenant looked at Fred as though mentally calculating what kind
of a man he was, but in spite of his dignity and bold face, he smiled,
and held out his cup for more coffee.

"Then I suppose that you will refer me to a friend with whom I can
consult, and settle all preliminary arrangements?" inquired the officer.

"Tell me," asked Fred, for the first time looking serious, "is your
friend really in earnest in this matter?"

"I have to inform you that, he is, sir; and that, as his friend, I have
promised to see him through the affair with honor," our visitor replied.

"Then I will gratify his lighting propensities, as I do not feel
disposed to retract words which, under the circumstances, he should have
considered as harmless. Jack, my boy," Fred said, turning to me, "will
you settle with this gentleman when the affair shall come off, and act
by me the part of a friend?"

I knew the nature of the man too well to try and dissuade him from the
duel--the most that I could do was to stand by him and endeavor to turn
every thing to his advantage. I gave him the promise he required, when
turning to Smith, who had sat at the table a patient listener, during
the whole conversation, Fred said--

"Come, Smith, you and I will visit the scene of the fire, and leave them
together."

"Now to business," the lieutenant said. "You are the challenged party,
and have the right to choose weapons. I have a beautiful pair of pistols
at the barracks, which I wish you would make choice of. You will fall in
love with them at the first sight."

"Very probable," I replied, coolly; "but if pistols are to settle the
quarrel, have a pair of Colt's revolvers which I know will command your
admiration. Here are the two instruments," and, as I spoke, I laid them
on the table.

"A murderous looking weapon, and not suited for the use of gentlemen at
ten paces," Merriam said, handling the revolvers with great respect.

"So I thought," I replied composedly, "and have resolved to have nothing
to do with pistols of any kind. They are an unsatisfactory weapon, and a
man has got to be a good shot to put a ball just where he pleases at ten
paces."

"Ah, then you have concluded to try the sword? A more gentlemanly weapon
it would be hard to find. Let swords decide it, then."

I saw a glow of satisfaction upon the face of the lieutenant, and I knew
that his principal was an adept in the use of the sword as well as
though he had told me in so many words.

"I cannot make choice of the sword," I replied, "because my friend does
not understand its use, and therefore the advantage would be all on your
side."

"Then pray name what weapon you will fight with," Merriam said,
impatiently.

"This is the weapon we will use," I replied, producing, to the
astonishment of the officer, my three foot six inch barrel rifle, which,
during our absence the day before, Smith had cleaned and polished up
thoroughly.

"What is that?" he asked, astonished.

"This," I replied, "is an American rifle, and a very good one it is, I
assure you."

"But we cannot fight with only one, and unless another is produced
precisely like it, some other weapon will have to be resorted to," cried
the officer, with a slight expression of joy.

"I am aware of that," I replied coolly, and to his astonishment I
presented him with a fac-simile of the first.

"These rifles," I remarked, "were both made by the same person, and he
was instructed to manufacture them without a shade of difference in
regard to size or weight. The only method we have of telling them apart
is to consult the stocks, where our names are engraved. Examine them
attentively, and then select whichever you please. One is as good as the
other, and each carries well."

The Englishman stared at the rifles with a countenance blank with
dismay. They were weapons which he was entirely unacquainted with, and
he felt that the safety of his principal demanded a remonstrance against
their use.

"I object to the use of rifles," he said, at length, firmly and
decidedly. "My friend is entirely unacquainted with these kind of
weapons, and it would be madness on his part to go to the field with
such odds against him."

I listened calmly, and with my mind unchanged. I knew that Fred's safety
depended upon my selection, and inwardly vowed that if he had got to
fight, he should settle the difficulty with his own weapons.

"This quarrel," I remarked, "is not of our seeking. A few words were
spoken in jest by my friend, and as soon as spoken were forgotten; and
it is probable that even now we should not remember the man we insulted.
If my friend has got to fight, he shall be placed upon an equality with
his adversary."

"But I do not call this equality," echoed the lieutenant, gazing with
looks of dismay at the rifles.

"Neither do I feel disposed to risk my friend's life with swords, a
weapon which he knows nothing of," I replied.

"Then perhaps we had better settle the matter satisfactorily without
fighting," Mr. Merriam said.

"With all my heart," I cried, with alacrity. "I will meet you half way
in any scheme of pacification."

"Then let your friend say that he is sorry for using the words, and send
a note to that effect to my principal."

"We can't do that," I replied, after a moment's thought. "But I will
tell you what we will do. We will say that during all our travels we
never saw a man who could suck a sword hilt so gracefully as your
friend."

"Pshaw," cried the Englishman with a grim smile, "don't let us trifle
over the matter, it is too serious."

"I know that, and it's the very reason why I wish to settle the quarrel
without bloodshed," I answered.

"Then you decline to apologize?" inquired Merriam, after a short pause,
during which he helped himself to another cup of coffee.

"Only on the grounds which I have stated," I answered.

"And you still insist upon rifles being used?" continued he.

"A just regard which I have for my friend compels me to say that I
cannot conscientiously consent to use any other weapon. At the same time
I protest against being called to the field for a few words spoken in
jest."

The Englishman slowly sipped his coffee and remained deep in thought, as
though there was some matter on his mind in which he wished
enlightenment, yet feared to broach the subject. At length he showed his
hand, and I saw his move.

"The rifle is extensively used in America, I believe," Merriam said,
carelessly.

"In some sections of the country it is a favorite weapon," I replied.

"I have heard much of the rifle shooting in the United States, and have
often longed to witness a specimen of the skill of its marksmen. Has
your friend seen much service with that weapon?"

"He has lived in a city since he was twelve years of age," I replied,
evasively, "and in cities there is not much chance to practise."

"Then he is not a skilful marksman?" cried Merriam, eagerly.

"He is fair," I replied. "In Vermont he would be called only a
third-rate marksman."

"And pray, may I ask what you call a first class marksman?"

"A good rifle shot is a man who can hit a shilling piece five times out
of six, standing at a distance which requires a telescope to see the
money."

"And what is a third-class marksman?" asked the lieutenant, in dismay.

"He can hit the same only twice out of six times," I replied,
composedly.

"The devil!" I heard my visitor mutter, between his teeth; but he was
too much of an Englishman to retreat, and I fancied that he grew more
and more determined when he learned that the odds were against him.

"The only matter that now remains unsettled," the lieutenant said, "is
when the affair is to come off. What time do you think you shall be at
leisure?"

"At any hour that suits your convenience."

"Would to-morrow morning be too soon?" hinted the officer.

"That time is as well as at a later period."

"And the distance? We must not talk about feet, but how many rods our
friends are to be placed apart?" Merriam said.

"I have given the subject a moment's consideration," I replied, "and
think that ten rods will be better for your friend than double that
distance."

"I shall certainly venture to disagree with you on that point," replied
the lieutenant. "I think that twenty rods is full near enough."

"Why, they will hardly be able to distinguish each other so far apart,"
I said; "but you shall have it as you wish."

"Thank you. Then nothing farther remains but to point out a very
beautiful spot where the business can be settled in the most amicable
manner. If you will step to the door I think I can show you the field,
with not a tree or hill that can line either party on ground. Ah, yes,
there it is, away to the right after passing the end of the road, and
beyond the white fence. Do you see it?"

I nodded in the affirmative.

"Well, say five in the morning to be on the ground. Does that suit your
convenience?"

"Perfectly."

"Then good-by. By the way, may I ask you to bring the rifles to the
ground? I am sorry to trouble you, but in the case you know--"

"I understand. Be under no concern; I will see that the guns are in good
condition, and ready for your loading."

"Thank you. Another request I have to make. May I ask that you will not
bring a surgeon on the ground, but trust to the regimental one whom we
shall have present. You are strangers, and by expressing a desire for a
doctor, might communicate an alarm to the police, which would have a
tendency to postpone the meeting."

"I thank you for the suggestion, sir," I answered, "and will do as you
request; although I frankly tell you, that I hope there will be no
occasion for a surgeon to exercise his duties."

"The affair has gone too far to be stopped without blood-letting, I
think," replied Merriam, shaking his head, "although with some men I
should not yet give up all hope of a pacification."

He shook me warmly by the hand as he took his departure, and I was left
alone to meditate on the disagreeable duty which I had assumed for my
best friend. I little thought, at the time I was so calmly making the
arrangements for the duel, that his adversary, Lieutenant Wattles, had
already killed two men, in spite of his youth, and that a more
determined duellist did not exist on the island.

I had just mixed a strong glass of punch, and was about to raise it to
my lips, for the purpose of looking cheerful when Fred returned, when I
heard his voice.

"Ah, that is stealing a march on us, old boy," he shouted, pleasantly.
"Here have we been parading the dusty streets of Melbourne, and my eyes,
ears, and mouth are filled with dirt and cobble stones. However, we saw
nothing of the city, for such clouds of dust filled the air that we had
to hire a boy with a lantern to lead us home. Hand me the bottle, for
I'm famished for want of a drink."

While he was filling his glass, he ran on, talking about half a dozen
subjects, and it was not until Smith asked the result of the interview,
that he would be quiet enough to listen to my communication.

"I have arranged every thing," I said. "We are to use the rifles, and
meet to-morrow morning early."

"And did you make no attempts at a reconciliation?" demanded Smith,
reproachfully.

"Don't answer that question, Jack," Fred said, seriously. "I placed my
life and honor in your hands, and I am satisfied that you dealt with me
as though I were a brother."

I grasped his extended hand, and for a few moments we sat thus, without
exchanging a word, both buried in thought and conjuring up reminiscences
of the past, when a few months before we had left Boston to search for
gold in California, and then, actuated by a spirit of adventure, had
emigrated to Australia, still cherishing the hope of returning home with
riches and with honor.

"I shall write a few letters to-day, Jack," Fred said, at length. "One
of them will be addressed to you, and if any thing should happen you
will find full directions how to dispose of the few things which I own."

"Let me meet the man," blubbered Smith. "I'm of no account, and if
killed, shan't be missed, while both of you have something to live for."

"It cannot be," replied Fred. "I insulted the gentleman, and to me alone
does he look for redress. God knows I do not desire the man's blood, and
still hope that I shall not be forced to spill it."

"At least promise that I may accompany you to the field?" Smith said.

His request was readily complied with; but all day long Smith's face
seemed as though he had lost his only friends.

The day wore away slowly. We dined with Murden, and chatted gayly about
old times, and congratulated him on an addition which had been made to
his pay, owing to the capture of bushrangers which had been effected by
his command. We hardly touched our lips to the wine which he freely
circulated; and at an early hour took our leave, much to his surprise,
and without his suspecting the business which was to occupy our
attention in the morning.

We went to bed early, leaving Smith to wake us at a suitable hour in the
morning, which he promised to do, as he declared he felt too nervous to
sleep. Sure enough, daylight was just stealing along the eastern horizon
when we were called and found a steaming pot of hot coffee upon the
table, which the careful stockman had prepared for us previous to our
leaving for the field.

We drank our coffee in solemn silence, and then started for the
rendezvous, Smith carrying the rifles and ammunition, and uttering
comments at every step at the folly of our proceedings. Just as we
locked the door, the old cracked bell upon the church, near the villa
of our friend, struck the hour of four. Finding that we had plenty of
time, we walked along quite leisurely, meeting only a few people, and
those longshoremen, who were hurrying to their work on the quays, and
fearful of being late.

No one paid any attention to us, for the carrying of arms in Melbourne
was common in those days; and so without remark we gained the crossing,
and then continuing on for a short distance, entered an open space, far
enough from the road to escape observation, and there awaited our
adversaries.

We did not have to wait long. A carriage containing three persons
stopped within gunshot of where we stood, and presently we saw Merriam
and his friend, and a short, fat gentleman in an undress uniform,
carrying a small box under his arm, advance towards us.

Lieutenants Wattles and Merriam were smoking, and appeared perfectly
cool and unconcerned regarding the result. We heard the old gentleman,
whom we presumed to be the surgeon, remonstrating at something that did
not appear to please him, and from what we could overhear, we found that
he disapproved of the use of cigars at so early an hour in the morning.

"Ah, the divil, smile, will ye, at what I say, but it's poor Harris, of
the thirty-sixth, who had cause to regret it. A finer officer the queen
never had; and yet he would disarrange his nerves by the use of tobacco
at an early hour in the morning, and what was the consequence? Killed at
ten paces by a fellow who hardly ever saw a pistol before. Its truth I'm
spaking, and ye well know it."

The doctor's companions did not pay much attention to his remarks, for
they continued to smoke perfectly unconcerned, and while they were
advancing slowly towards us we could hear the Irish surgeon lecturing
them for their want of generalship.

"It's a pretty mess ye're in now, and the devil thank ye. The young
fellows are on the ground afore us, and that don't look like fear, and
by the same token, they have got their murderous-looking instruments
with them. Bad luck to it, couldn't ye manage somewhat differently than
to want to fight two Americans, who were born wid rifles in their
hands."

Wattles made a reply, but it was too low and indistinct for us to hear,
and the next moment the party were within speaking distance.

The principals raised their caps and then walked one side, while Merriam
and myself shook hands, and then I was introduced to the surgeon, Doctor
Michael O'Haraty, a genuine specimen of an Irish gentleman.

"We arranged the distance yesterday, and there is nothing to be settled
but who shall give the word," Merriam said.

"Don't let that bother your brains, for I'll do that without, the
asking. Ah, it's many a signal I've given, and sometimes they've bin
fatal ones, too," the doctor said.

I agreed to that, and then calling Smith, I desired Merriam to make
choice of the rifle which he liked best. He was some time selecting, but
at length hit upon mine, thus leaving Fred at liberty to use his own
weapon.

"I use the same size balls that you do," I said, selecting one from some
half a dozen that Smith held in his hand.

I carefully loaded Fred's rifle, and offered to assist Merriam, but he
declined; and even when I told him that he had got a third more powder
than was necessary, he did not heed my advice, and perhaps I was glad
that he did not.

"Now, thin," cried the doctor, "do you take hold of this tape line, my
man, and we'll measure off twenty rods in a jiffey."

Smith, who was appealed to, did as he was directed, and in a short time
we had our men stationed and waiting for a signal which I longed for,
yet dreaded.

Fred looked a shade paler, but he was as firm as a rock; and when I
shook hands with him and handed him his rifle, I could not discover the
least tremor of nerves, or any unusual agitation.

"If I should fall," Fred said, once more shaking me by the hand, "you
will find in the letter which is directed to you, full instructions how
to dispose of my effects. God bless you, Jack; I never loved you half as
well as I do now."

I brushed away a tear, and with a voice choked by emotion asked if there
was any thing which he wished to say before the word was given.

"I did think," he replied, examining his adversary's bearing, "that I
would fire over his head; but I see that he is bent on mischief, and is
determined to kill me, if possible. Under the circumstances I think that
I shall do no great wrong if I touch him slightly."

"Do as you please," I replied, stepping back, and joining the doctor,
who held a white handkerchief in one hand and his snuffbox in the other.

"Let me speak to Mr. Fred before you give the signal?" asked Smith.

"Not a word, my man," returned the doctor, regaling his nose with a
pinch of snuff, and scanning the bearing of the men with evident
delight.

"It's beautiful they look," murmured the doctor, in a low tone, and then
elevating his voice, he continued, "the signal will be 'one, two,
three,' and then, the dropping of this handkerchief. Mind, gentlemen,
and reserve your fire until you see the handkerchief lave my hand. Now,
thin, are ye ready?"

Wattles and Fred braced themselves as though expecting a shock, drew
their caps a little more over their eyes, and signified that they were.

"One!" cried the doctor, in a loud voice.

The duellists brought their rifles to their shoulders, fully cocked.

"Two!" exclaimed the doctor.

The rifles were levelled, and eager eyes glanced along the tubes.

"Three!"

For a second after the word was spoken the doctor held the white
handkerchief aloft; but as it slowly fell towards the ground, there was
but one report, so closely did they fire together.

I had not taken my eyes from Fred, and to my joy I saw that he did not
move. I glanced towards Wattles. He had dropped his rifle and was
rubbing his right arm, which hung down powerless by his side.

"By the mass," cried the doctor, grabbing his box of instruments and
running towards his brother officer, "the Americans have got the best of
this fight, as I knew they would with their d----d rifles. But, by Saint
Patrick, it was illegantly done, and that I'll stick to as long as I
live."




CHAPTER XXI.

PREPARATIONS FOR THE SEARCH FOR GULPIN'S BURIED TREASURES.


I started to congratulate Fred, but, quick as were my movements, I found
that Smith had taken the lead, and was shaking hands with him at a
tremendous rate.

"Are you injured?" I asked, running my eye over his form to see if I
could discover any signs of blood.

"No, thank Heaven, I have escaped; although my adversary's bullet
whizzed close over my head," replied Fred.

"I knew that he was overcharging the rifle when loading it," I cried,
delighted to think that Merriam had done so.

"It was the means, perhaps, of saving my life, for the fellow aimed with
good intentions, and I saw by the expression of his face that he was
bound to hit me if possible."

"Well, since you are safe, I'll run and see how your adversary is
doing," I said, glancing towards the doctor, who, with coat off, was
kneeling on the ground, and wiping away blood with a cloth which he had
taken from his mysterious box.

"Do so," replied Fred, "and if I can be of any assistance, let me know;
I have no enmity against the man, and should really like to shake hands
with him before parting."

I ran to the spot where Wattles was lying on the ground, and found him
looking very pale and weak. Merriam and the doctor had ripped off the
sleeve of his coat, and torn off the arm of his shirt; and while one was
making bandages, the other was cleaning a ragged looking wound, just
above the elbow of the right arm.

"If I can be of any service, doctor, I will assist you," I said, in a
half-hesitating way, for I feared that they might consider it an
intrusion.

"Sarvice, my dear boy?" echoed the doctor, stopping to look up for a
moment from his work. "Of course ye can be of sarvice. Stoop down here
and lind me a helpin' hand by straightening out the arm a bit, so that I
can see if the bones are smashed, or only one broken."

I readily complied with the request, and the doctor continued,--"There's
no raison in the world for ye to be inemies now. Your friend has had a
pop at the lieutenant here, and, I'm sorry to say, he's got the worse of
it, although it's about time, for Wattles has been mighty lucky in these
things, and was hardly ever hit afore."

Here the wounded man opened his eyes, and uttered a suppressed groan;
whether at the recollection of his numerous duels, or because the doctor
wrenched his arm, is more than I can tell.

"Ah, man, don't groan, for it's only a broken arm ye have; but I'll tell
ye privately that it's yer life it would have been, had the American
been disposed to take it, for a divil a fear but he put the bullet jist
where he intended. I saw, the instant he raised the rifle, that it was
only a flesh wound he wished, and that he didn't know whether to pop ye
on the right or left arm. Here, swallow that, and see if it don't put
the life into ye, and make ye open yer eyes and sing psalms."

The doctor emptied a teaspoonful of cordial into the wounded man's
mouth, and its strength must have been very beneficial, for he opened
his eyes, a healthy color came to his face, and he spoke without any
painful effort.

"Ah, a divil a fear is there of ye now, and if I can save the arm, ye'll
be at it again in less than six months," muttered the doctor, as he
applied a balm to the wound, and then covered it with lint.

"There is no fear of that, is there, doctor?" asked Wattles, who was a
youngster not more than twenty-two years of age.

"I'll do all that I can; but rifle bullets are different intirely than
pistol balls. It's many's the good wound I've cured made by the latter,
and well ye knows it, Wattles; but who'd have suspected ye of fighting
with murdering rifles?"

The young officer made no reply, and the doctor, tearing a piece of
linen cloth into strips about two inches wide, continued working and
talking at the same time.

The bandages were all tied on, and Smith had been sent after the driver
of the carriage to tell him to bring his vehicle as near as possible, so
that the wounded man could enter without exerting himself to walk. While
we were waiting, Wattles looked at me, and a grim smile crossed his
face, as he said,--

"Your friend is in luck to-day, sir."

"If you think that he considers it luck because you are wounded, you are
mistaken," I replied.

"He had the advantage in the use of a weapon with which he is
accustomed, and therefore I did not expect a favorable result. Had we
used pistols, he would now be occupying my place."

"Ah, have done with your boasting, lieutenant, and think no more of the
quarrel. Ye challenged the gentleman, and he accepted and chose his
weapons; and it's mighty lucky ye may think yourself to get off with
life, for he could have killed ye as easily as a kangaroo. It's myself
that knows he could have done it," said the surgeon, warmly.

"Is that so?" asked Wattles, turning to me for confirmation.

"He could have killed you, had he been so disposed, even at twice the
distance," I replied.

The lieutenant looked sober and thoughtful for a moment, when, thinking
to make an impression, and get him to drop the quarrel forever, I
continued,--

"My friend did contemplate firing over your head, and would have done so
had not your looks convinced him that you intended mischief."

"By the Lord, I aimed for a vital part, but am glad that I missed my
object. Ask your friend to shake hands with me. From all accounts I'm
convinced that he is a gentleman to cherish and know."

"Ah, Wattles, divil fear ye but yer heart is in the right place, afther
all," cried the doctor, delighted at the proposed reconciliation.

I told Fred the request of his adversary, and without a moment's
hesitation he joined the group, and extended his hand to the wounded
man.

"You have got the best of me, sir," Wattles said, faintly, his pain
beginning to grow excessive.

"I trust that it is a mere gun-shot wound, and that you will soon be
well," replied Fred.

"I don't know--I don't know," moaned the lieutenant. "It seems as though
the doctor would kill me with his cursed probing and punching. Half of
it is unnecessary, I believe."

"Do you hear that?" cried O'Haraty, appealing to us, in astonishment.
"It's like an infant I've treated him, and now ye see how he abuses me."

"Excuse me, doctor," replied the lieutenant, faintly, "but I hardly know
what I am saying, I feel so weak. Get me into the carriage as quick as
possible, and take me to the barracks where I can be quiet."

"We'll do that, Wattles; but it's a great pity that you don't know who
your friends are. Come along with yer carriage, ye blackguard, and don't
stop there looking behind ye, as though ye were a light-house."

The latter portion of the doctor's remarks was addressed to the driver
of the vehicle, who, instead of paying any attention to the words of
O'Haraty, was gazing, with an anxious glance, towards the city.

"What is the spalpeen looking at?" demanded the doctor, angrily. "Come
here with the horses, and waste no more time."

"I see a cloud, as though a party of horse was galloping this way, and
kicking up a dust. I'm suspicious that it's the police, and divil a bit
do I want to be put into limbo for being concerned in the duel," cried
the driver, making preparations to turn his horses.

"Are ye certain that it's the police?" demanded O'Haraty, eagerly.

"Yes, I'm certain; for now I can see over the bushes, and distinguish
their blue coats. Every one for himself, and the devil take the
hindmost. I'm off, sure."

The fellow turned his animals' heads, and started towards the opening,
but a loud threat from O'Haraty caused him to stop for a moment--and
only for a moment.

"Curse ye for a cowardly villain!" yellen the doctor. "If yer don't stop
this instant, I'll drive a piece of cold lead through yer thick skull."

He drew from his breast pocket a rifle pistol as he spoke, and aimed it
at the runaway.

The driver looked over his shoulder, and seemed half inclined to obey,
but the sound of approaching horses stirred him into life. He struck his
animals a smart blow with his whip, and they sprang forward; but as they
did so, the doctor raised his pistol, sighted hastily, and fired.

The fellow's hat fell to the ground, and with a yell of triumph at his
lucky escape, the driver continued on, and in a few minutes would have
been beyond reach; but just at that instant my noble dog--the hound
which I had left under lock and key at Smith's house--bounded towards me
and covered my face with his kisses.

A lucky thought occurred to me; I glanced at Wattles, and saw that he
had fainted from exhaustion and pain, and that it was certain death for
him to be exposed to the hot rays of the sun for any length of time, so
I determined to save him at any hazard.

"Here, Rover," I said, calling to the dog, and pointing to the
retreating carriage, "seize him, good dog--seize him," I shouted.

The animal did not hesitate for an instant. With a mighty bound he
cleared over twenty feet of the distance which separated him from the
object which I had called his attention to, and almost before I could
think, he seized the near horse by the throat, and brought him heavily
to the ground. The driver rose from his seat and plied his whip with
desperate energy, in hopes of beating the dog off, but such was the
agility of Rover that not a blow reached him, and while his attention
was thus occupied, O'Haraty stole forward, grasped the man by the leg,
dragged him to the ground, and commenced to beat him unmercifully,
mingling his blows with such exclamations as--

"Lave us, would ye?" May the divil saze ye, ye mane thief of the world.
Whin I hired ye to tend us and behave like a dacent man, ye up and cuts,
jist because me friend gets a scratch on his arm."

"The police are coming," roared the fellow, rendered desperate by his
beating.

"Let them come, if they will, but ye shan't go," cried the doctor,
sitting astride of his fallen foe and glancing at Fred and I in triumph,
while the perspiration streamed down his face in torrents.

"I saw the police trotting down the road," yelled the fallen man.

"Who calls the police?" cried a deep-toned voice near at hand.

I knew the speaker well, although I confess that it started me to hear
him so unexpectedly, and looking up I saw that Murden sat on his horse,
a few paces off, calmly surveying the strange group before him. At a
short distance were six of his men, also mounted and drawn up in line
awaiting their chief's solution of the difficulty.

"I think that my presence is needed here if you intend to murder that
fellow, doctor," Murden said, good naturedly, addressing O'Haraty, who
kept his position, looking somewhat foolish at being caught.

"The mane scamp," began the doctor, when Murden checked him.

"What, is the cause of the gathering, and why do I find an officer of
her majesty, lying on the ground wounded and insensible?"

"Why, the fact of it is, Mr. Officer," Merriam began, but apparently
afraid of the consequences, he stopped and looked hard towards the
doctor, as though asking him to take up the answer and carry it through
in the best manner possible.

"O, the divils," roared the doctor, rising from his seat, much to the
relief of the driver, who apparently thanked God that he was rid of such
an incumbrance.

"O, the spalpeens," continued O'Haraty, shaking his fist at an imaginary
enemy a long distance off. "O, if there is law to be had in the land
we'll pursue ye wid not only the police force, but the whole army, and
then we'll see if ye are so bold."

"What is the matter, doctor?" asked Murden, who I thought suspected what
had taken place, and was disposed to overlook it, yet not a word of
recognition had he bestowed upon Fred and myself, so we kept in the
background.

"Matter?" yelled the doctor, apparently desperately angry; "why, here's
me friends and myself out for a bit of a walk and to kill a kangaroo or
two, when a party of sneaking bushrangers ups and fires at us, and down
tumbles Wattles, shot in the arm quite nately. It's chase we gave to the
villains, but run they did, and when we came back we found that this
scamp was disposed to escape to Melbourne and lave us to foot it back to
the city."

"Indeed! Pray which way did they go?" asked Murden, not moving a muscle
of his face.

"Over the hill, there. Ride quick, and I think it's prisoners they'll be
in no time," cried the doctor.

"Did you count how many there were?" asked the police officer.

"Count them? How the divil could we, there were so many?" replied
O'Haraty.

"O, then if the bushrangers were in such force, it's surprising they
should run from only six men. I thought better of their courage," and a
sarcastic smile stole over Murden's face as he watched the doctor's
companion.

"Well, well," stammered O'Haraty, "if ye had heard us shout, ye would
have thought we could have frightened the divil himself."

"Well, whether Wattles was wounded by a bushranger or a companion, it
will do him no good to remain here in the hot sun. Place him carefully
into the carriage and drive to the barracks. I'll follow shortly, and
continue my investigation of this mysterious affair."

Murden spoke like one accustomed to be obeyed. The driver of the
carriage, who hardly moved two steps without keeping his eyes on the
dog--the animal appearing to have some strong antipathy against
him--readily lent his aid, and with Smith's assistance the wounded
lieutenant was propped up on a seat, and the doctor stowed his corpulent
person alongside of him.

"Why did you not tell me of this yesterday?" asked Murden, beckoning to
me, and whispering in a low tone.

"Because we were fearful that you would interrupt the proceedings," I
replied.

"I certainly should have done so. Are you aware that Wattles is a most
experienced and successful duellist? That he has been out half a dozen
times, and always came off without so much as a scratch?"

"No, I was not aware that such is the case," I answered.

"He is all that I tell you, and if I had suspected that a duel was to
come off between Fred and the soldier, I should have had both of them
arrested and locked up, and kept them until they were ready to swear
that they would not lift their hands against each other."

"And then Fred and myself would have been imputed as informers, and a
stain would have rested on our reputations, and we should no longer have
been considered fit company for gentlemen." "That does not necessarily
follow," answered Murden. "No one who knows you both can call you aught
but brave men."

"But did we not dine with you after we had received the challenge? We
made no secret of our going--hundreds saw us enter your house, and
hundreds saw us depart. Had we but lisped a word of our intended doings,
it would have been said that we visited you on purpose. Come, look at
the matter in a sensible light, and you will take a different view of
the affair."

Murden shook his head as if he considered it not only a breach of the
law but a breach of friendship to fight a duel without his knowledge;
and he intended to reply, but the doctor poked his jolly looking face
from the window of the carriage, and bade us good-by, and requested the
pleasure of our company to dinner on the next day.

"And do you come too, Murden. I've a few bottles of the rale Irish
whiskey, and better cannot be found in the world, and if ye come I'll
brew a jug of punch that'll make ye think ye are in paradise after
drinking a few tumblers. Good-by, boys, and, Murden, keep a sharp look
out for the bushrangers."

The driver started his horses, and for a few minutes after the carriage
had left the field we could hear the mellow voice of the doctor laughing
at the idea of his quizzing the police lieutenant with his story about
bushrangers.

"Come and breakfast with us," I said, turning to Murden. "We cannot
celebrate the escape of our friend Fred in a more appropriate manner."

"Agreed," he cried; and then turning to his men, he said, "return to the
station and report that Lieutenant Wattles was severely injured this
morning by the accidental discharge of his rifle while hunting
kangaroos. If I am wanted you know where to find me."

"Pray, how came you on the road so early?" I asked Murden.

"Because I got wind that there was trouble between you and Wattles. One
of my men overheard Fred's remark, the other night, and then he saw
Merriam leaving your house, and putting all and all together--the fact
that your party were early on the road, and Wattles being seen in a
carriage--he considered it of sufficient importance to report to me,
which he did an hour too late this morning, while I was dreaming of
bushrangers and prize money."

"But how did you find us, and how came the dog loose?" I inquired.

"That is a secret, but I don't mind telling you. I rode to your house
and tried the door. It was locked, but I heard the hound making an awful
howling within; so I just fitted a key to the lock, and opened the door,
and was nearly knocked down by the dog, who thought his master had
returned. However, Rover, after his disappointment, received me with a
wag of his tail, and then, after snuffing around for a moment, started
in a trot towards the field we have just left. We followed close to his
tail, and then the trot became a gallop--the gallop a run, and to save
our distance we drew our reins, and jogged along, keeping a good lookout
on both sides of the road; but I believe that we should have missed you
had not the report of your pistol given us token of your whereabouts."

Chatting thus in an old familiar manner, we reached "Smith's villa," as
we called it, and prepared for breakfast, a meal we were ready to enjoy,
as our early rising had sharpened our appetites.

"By the way," cried Murden, suddenly, "your portion of the money due for
the capture and death of the bushrangers will be paid whenever you are
disposed to call for it."

"How much does it amount to?" I asked.

"Why, for you three, I think near two thousand pounds. That of course
includes Black Darnley and his gang."

"Most ten thousand dollars!" cried Fred, surprised at the large amount.

"I wish, with all my heart, it was twice the sum. Join me, and in less
than two months we will have a bill against the treasurer which will
cause him to look wild."

"We can't spend our time hunting men," replied Fred, "when there is so
much gold in the earth that we have only to dig to obtain it. As to the
rewards which are offered for captured bushrangers, I must own that I
feel none too willing to accept that which is due to me, without
striving to earn more. It looks to me as though we were only butchers
and dealers in human blood."

"If we were the only ones who ever accepted of rewards for murderers and
thieves, I might be induced to respect your conscientious scruples,"
replied Murden, with a laugh. "But as it has been the custom from time
immemorial for rewards to be offered for shedders of human blood, and
many men whose respectability cannot be questioned have received rewards
for services so rendered, I think that I shall pocket my share, and
consider all three of you very weak and spleeny not to do the same."

Murden swallowed his coffee with a dogmatical air, as though his
arguments were unanswerable, and shortly took his leave, after making us
promise to breakfast with him the next day, and go and draw the money
which was awaiting our orders.

We studied over the subject for some time after Murden had gone, and
hardly knew how to proceed. Smith was consulted, and was willing to
abide by our decision, at the same time he did not scruple to inform us
that his last trip, owing to the treatment his cargo had received from
the bushrangers, was a most disastrous one; but still he had a few
thousand pounds which he could place his hand upon, and should commence
purchasing another load immediately, as every day lost was money out of
pocket. We then considered it a fitting time to speak to the stockman
about the business we were desirous of entering upon. We told him of the
confession of Jim Gulpin, and the determination to which we had come to
search for the buried treasure.

He listened attentively, and then pledged his word to aid us with all of
his ability. He would make no bargain concerning his team and labor, but
agreed to let his promised reward depend upon the success with which we
met. If nothing was found, we would continue on our way to the mines,
and were welcome to his labor and time. If we succeeded we might give
him what we pleased.

We closed with him immediately, and contributed money to buy provisions
and luxuries which we never dreamed of buying on our first passage.
Smith was also directed to purchase a tent for our use, shovels and
pickaxes, and three or four boxes of claret--a perfect luxury in a warm
climate--and a number of articles which we desired for a residence in
the mines.

We also wanted three good saddle horses, but found that our funds would
be greatly reduced by the purchase, and after a short debate we
determined in council that necessity compelled us to accept of the money
paid for the capture of the bushrangers, and after that question was
decided we felt that a great load was removed from our minds, and that
we began to look upon it as a mere matter of business.




CHAPTER XXII.

DEPARTURE FROM MELBOURNE.--FIGHT WITH THE NATIVES.


During the following week we were busy, visiting; dining with one, and
supping with another, yet we were obliged to decline many pressing
invitations, and offered as an excuse, our speedy departure for the
mines.

Through the kindness of Murden, we were enabled to purchase three
excellent horses, saddles, &c., which belonged to the police department.

The animals were just what we wanted, for they were quick in their
actions, and had been taught to stand motionless while firing guns or
pistols from their backs. We were enabled to buy them, owing to a
surplus of horses which the department owned, and had no use for.

Our hardest task was when, on the evening of the seventh day after Fred
had met the officer in mortal combat, Smith yoked his oxen, attached
them to a moderately filled cart, and declared he was ready for a start.

Murden, Wattles, Merriam, Doctor O'Haraty, and a dozen others, whose
acquaintance we had cultivated during our brief residence in Melbourne,
were assembled at "Smith's villa," and came to say farewell.

"You heard the word, gentlemen," said Fred; "our leader says that he is
ready, and we must not detain him. We wish to place twenty-five miles
between us and Melbourne before morning, and to do so requires an early
start. The next time we meet, I hope that our days will not be limited.
In the mean time, if any one present should visit Ballarat, don't fail
to make our tent his home."

"Ballarat be blessed!" growled O'Haraty; "the idea of two dacent,
sinsible people digging for gold, when there's so much can be had
without work."

"I have only my left hand to offer you," said Wattles, presenting it to
Fred, "but my grasp is as friendly and sincere as though both were
free."

"Your arm is improving?" inquired Fred, who had not seen his adversary
before, since the morning of the meeting.

"Thanks to the doctor, and your kindness in not aiming at a more
vulnerable part, I shall soon be well. Do we separate as friends?"

"I say yes, with all my heart," cried Fred, eagerly.

Some one locked the door of "Smith's villa," and handed him the key, and
then once more bidding good-by, the oxen were started, and in company
with Murden, we soon reached the outskirts of the city.

It was past dusk when our friend, the police lieutenant, drew rein, and
decided to return to the city. We allowed Smith to continue on, while we
stopped and chatted for a few moments.

Murden appeared sad at parting, and more than once he declared that he
wished he was to accompany us, for now that we were to leave him, he
should have no one who would enter into his adventures with the same
degree of interest which we had shown.

"There is one question which we wish to ask, Murden," I said, a few
minutes before he left us.

"Name it," he replied.

"How many of the bushrangers whom we captured have been condemned to
death?"

"Why do you ask?" he inquired.

"Because you know that we have not been able to obtain any information
on the subject. A select few were admitted to see them; but they had no
formal trial, that I am aware of."

"You are right, they had no formal trial, and they did not deserve one.
The examination was secret, and even now not more than fifty people in
Melbourne know that the bushrangers are dangling by their necks in the
prison yard.

"All?" I cried, surprised at the secrecy which had been maintained.

"Not a man is now alive. They rightly merited their fate, for their
careers were stained with cruel crimes; and may God forgive them, for
man would not."

Murden wrung our hands, and the next instant he was galloping swiftly
towards Melbourne.

We resumed our journey, feeling somewhat saddened by the intelligence
which we had received; yet we felt that we had only done our duty in
assisting in the arrest of the robbers, and with this conviction, we
tried to banish the thoughts of their death.

We soon overtook Smith, who was mounted like ourselves, and through the
night we jogged along by his side, relieving the loneliness of the
journey with stories and reminiscences of our other expeditions.

It was just about daylight, on the morning of the fifth day from
Melbourne, and we were pressing the oxen to their utmost to reach a
camping ground before sunrise, when Rover, who had been jogging far in
advance of us, stopped suddenly before a thick clump of bushes, which
extended some ways along the roadside, and with an angry howl, remained
regarding some object which was concealed from our sight.

I called the animal, but he refused to move, and I began to suspect that
some kind of beast was concealed among the brush, and that he was too
formidable for the dog to attack alone. With this view, Fred and myself
unslung our rifles and examined the caps, and rode slowly forward. We
were not more than ten rods from the hound when we saw a spear whiz past
him, and enter the bushes on the other side of the road. We then knew
what was concealed; but whether the purpose was hostile or friendly, we
did not have an opportunity to ask, for we had barely time to call the
dog from such a dangerous locality, when another spear passed near our
heads.

"Turn back!" shouted Smith, who was jogging on with the cattle, a few
rods distant, and saw the whole transaction. "Turn back," he continued,
"or you are dead men."

We wheeled our horses and galloped from a place where nothing but spear
heads were to be seen, for we did not like the idea of fighting people
who ran no risk.

When we joined Smith, we found that he had turned his oxen, and was
driving them at full speed towards an open plain half a mile distant.

"Are you going back to Melbourne?" asked Fred.

"I am going to gain yonder plain as fast as possible," the stockman
cried, casting an uneasy glance over his shoulder, as though fearful of
pursuit.

"For what reason?" we asked.

"Because I've no idea of risking my life by running an ambush, where, no
doubt, twenty or thirty natives are stationed, determined to kill the
first one who passes."

"I thought they were harmless," I replied.

"So they are, when they choose to be; but it's very probable that miners
have been committing outrages upon their women, and now they are
determined to revenge their injuries upon us. Keep your eyes upon the
bushes, and don't mind me if you see signs of their following. Escape to
the open plain, and trust to me to join you. Once there, we can hold
fifty of them at bay."

"Do you think we are so cowardly as to desert a comrade?" demanded Fred.
"Let them attack us if they will, but we will stick to you and the team
as long as life remains."

"I expected the answer," cried Smith, applying his long whip to the
sides of the reeking cattle, and starting them into a run. "But if you
will not save yourselves, at least take care of the oxen and let me
cover the retreat."

"Do you think they will dare to follow us?" I asked.

"Here is your answer," cried the stockman; and as he spoke a slim poled
spear whistled within an inch of my head, and passed out of sight, far
to the other side of the road.

"And here goes my reply," exclaimed Fred, who held his rifle in his hand
ready for use.

He raised it, and hardly took time to sight a naked, black body, which
was visible for a moment before he fired.

A yell of bodily pain followed the explosion, and for a moment we could
hear a great commotion among the bushes, and then all was still.

"Help me to urge the cattle forward," shouted Smith. "Now is our time to
escape, while the devils are with the wounded imp."

We were about to comply, when a club, about three feet long, flew over
our heads, touched the ground in advance of the cattle, bounded from the
earth, and came towards us with undiminished velocity.

"Look out for their boomerangs," shouted Smith, and we dodged our heads
in time to save them from a blow that would have unhorsed us.

That was the first time we made the acquaintance of the most skilful
weapon in use by the natives. They throw the boomerang with unerring
precision, and had we not heard of the manner of its working, and been
apprised of the necessity of avoiding its flight, by the warning voice
of Smith, one of us would have made a meal for an Australian native that
morning.

The boomerang is a piece of hard wood about three feet long, slightly
curved in the form of a bow; and when a native wishes to strike an
object, he does not throw his weapon directly at it, but from it, and by
some unexplained principle of retrogradation, the boomerang touches the
ground, and then flies with great force directly at whatever it is
aimed. I have seen the natives exhibit their proficiency a hundred
different times--and the more I saw of the game, the more I became
bewildered at the science displayed.

We did not stop to fight an unseen enemy, but continued our headlong
course, and at length had the pleasure of reaching an open space where
we could wait the approach of those disposed to attack us, although
whether they would venture to make a demonstration on the plain was
uncertain.

Smith, however, was determined to be prepared for the worst. He unyoked
his cattle, but instead of turning them loose, when they soon would have
fallen a prey to the rapacious appetites of the natives, he grouped them
around the cart, and chained them, to prevent their flight in case of an
attack. By this method they served as a shield to us, and did not
interfere with our rifle practice.

We had no sooner got our arrangements completed, than a dozen or twenty
of the filthy-looking wretches--naked, with the exception of a mat
around their hips--appeared at the edge of the bushes, and seemed to
survey our disposition of the order of battle. Two or three of them,
self-elected leaders, apparently wished for an immediate assault; but we
could see that the proposition met with no approval from the mass, and
the motions were made towards the men, as though to wait until night
time.

"We shall have a sleepless night, and must be prepared for the black
devils' mischief," Smith said, surveying the force and comprehending
their meaning.

"Do they often attack teams?" we asked of Smith, who, now that his
cattle were safe, had regained all of his cuteness and colloquial
powers.

"During all my freighting to the mines, this is only the second time the
scamps have manifested hostility. Once I got clear by giving them an ox,
and thought I got off quite cheap at that. But this time they appear to
be serious; and if we get clear with a whole skin, may think ourselves
lucky. Some team ahead of us must have trespassed on their rights in an
outrageous manner to render them as rebellious as they are."

"I have a great mind to try the range of my rifle," Fred said. "I think
that I can send a ball into their midst, and make them scatter to the
bushes, instead of standing there and quarrelling among themselves."

Smith measured the distance with his eye and shook his head.

"It's over a half mile," he said, "and I never yet saw the shooting iron
that could do damage at such a distance."

"Then look at one for the first time;" and as Fred spoke, he sighted a
native, who appeared desirous of making an immediate attack, for he was
gesticulating in the most absurd manner, and shaking his long spear at
us as though trying to get at close quarters, where he could do instant
execution.

The act of Fred was observed, and a yell of defiance greeted his hostile
attitude. Before it had died away, the sharp report of the rifle drowned
their shrill screams, and then the conspicuous native, who had
flourished his spear so threateningly, threw up his arms, and with a
most unearthly yell, fell to the ground.

In an instant not a native, with the exception of the wounded one, was
to be seen, and a stranger would hardly have supposed that the clump of
bushes near us contained a couple of dozen human beings, who were
watching every motion which we made, and speculating as to the best mode
of putting us to death, and sharing the goods and provisions loaded upon
the cart.

"An American rifle forever," shouted Smith, who suspended his work of
getting out a water keg, containing eighteen or twenty gallons, which he
had taken the precaution to fill with water and place upon the cart, so
that his animals and companions need not suffer with thirst during the
long stretch across the prairies.

"A few more such shots as that and the black devils will retire in
disgust, and we shall have the road free," Smith continued, with an
admiring look at his American friend.

"There is no use in wasting our powder by firing at random, and until
the natives show themselves I shall rest, so as to be able to keep my
eyes open to-night."

Under the shadow of the cart Fred spread his blanket, and after
assisting Smith to water the cattle, and taking a good drink myself, I
joined him, and left Rover and the stockman to keep guard.

We slept until dark, and, upon awakening, found that Smith had joined
us, and left the whole responsibility of giving warning, if the natives
approached, to the dog. The latter, however, was worth a dozen men for
such a purpose, and we commended Smith for his sagacity in securing rest
before the time arrived when we knew that demonstration would be made
against our encampment.

We gathered some dried grass and made a fire, sufficient to boil a
teakettle, and then deliberately prepared a dish of coffee, not knowing
but that it would be our last. After we had concluded our supper we
examined our rifles and revolvers, found them in good order, and then
carefully reviewing the animals so that it was impossible for them to
get loose without cutting their fastenings, we took up our positions at
an equal distance apart, and in a circle outside of the cattle.

Rover placed himself by my side, and looked into my face as much as to
say that he understood all that was going on, and hoped that he was to
be trusted with any important business which might come before us.

The night wore slowly away. Sleep we did not, for the insects were so
troublesome that it seemed as though we inhaled them at every breath.
They filled the air and dashed their dry wings in our faces while
flitting over our heads, and their eternal buzzing was like the
murmuring of a distant waterfall.

I judged that it was near two o'clock, and at the period when sleep is
the strongest, that my attention became riveted upon the singular
movements of some animal which appeared to be feeding upon the withered
grass which covered the plain. Sometimes it moved near enough to allow
me to almost discern what it was, and then it would recede and be lost
from sight for a few minutes, to again appear and approach nearer than
at first.

Rover appeared to be as deeply interested in the animal as myself, for
his eyes glowed like balls of fire as he watched the movements of the
strange nondescript, and appeared to wonder why I did not tell him to
investigate the matter instead of sitting there with staring eyes.

Presently a second and then a third animal came in sight, and their
movements were like that of the first. Slowly and in an irregular line
they approached me, halting every two or three seconds as though feeding
upon the grass, which was rank and tasteless, and at length I came to
the conclusion that they were animals peculiar to Australia, and such as
I had not seen before.

"Smith," I said, calling to that worthy man, who, I thought, was nodding
in a mysterious manner.

"Well," he answered, rubbing his eyes and trying to appear as though he
had not thought of sleeping on his post.

"What kind of animals are these within a rod of the camp, feeding so
quietly?"

When I spoke and pointed to them, I was astonished to find that, during
the short time my attention was occupied, half a dozen others were in
sight, but they were no longer feeding--they appeared to be surprised at
the sound of a human voice, and were listening attentively.

"Why, hang it, man, do you mean to say that you don't know a kangaroo
when you see one?" and Smith laughed at my greenness.

"Do you mean to say that those are kangaroos?" I demanded.

"Of course they are; see that fellow sitting on his tail near you. He is
almost as large as a native, and were it not for showing the black
devils our position I would knock him over, and we would have fresh
steaks for breakfast."

"But I supposed that the kangaroo was a very wild animal," Fred said,
joining in the conversation.

"So they are; but in the night time I have known them to mingle with
horses and not leave until daylight. They appear to have a remarkable
attachment for horses; and a man riding over a prairie can approach them
within a few rods without exciting suspicions."

I was listening attentively to Smith, but still I kept an eye on our
visitors, and noticed that they gradually lessened their distance
between us, and were so near that they could not fail to note our
positions.

"Do kangaroos usually carry spears in their paws?" I asked of Smith, in
a whisper.

"What do you mean?" he demanded.

"I mean that instead of animals we have natives to deal with, and in
another moment our throats would have been cut by the sly scamps."

I snatched up my rifle, and hardly waiting to place it at my shoulder,
fired.

The kangaroo, alias a native sewed up in a skin, sprang towards me, but
with a yell of agony fell dead at my feet.

I seized my revolver, but before I could use it Fred's rifle and Smith's
double-barrelled gun answered my lead, and two more natives were
bleeding upon the field.

The smoke slowly drifted past, but no more live kangaroos were to be
seen.

I looked for Rover, but he had disappeared during the firing, and he did
not return for ten minutes, when by his panting I knew that he had
pursued the natives to the bushes, but what other damage he had done the
latter only knew.

"We shall rest in peace for the remainder of the night," Smith said,
"that is, provided any one can get rest with so many blasted bugs
buzzing in the air. The natives will not make a second attack upon us,
you may be assured."

Smith's words were found to be correct, for, when daylight appeared, a
flag of truce was sent to our camp, and an old native demanded
permission to remove the bodies of his fallen friends. We gave a willing
consent on condition that we were allowed to pass on our way without
further molestation; and after accepting our terms, we detained the old
fellow as a hostage until we were safe from their ambush, when we
dismissed him with a number of presents, and he returned to his camp
apparently delighted at his treatment.

We urged our cattle to their utmost exertions, and at sundown we were in
sight of the old convict's hut, and in close proximity to the buried
gold.




CHAPTER XXIII.

ARRIVAL AT THE OLD STOCKMAN'S HUT.--MYSTERIOUS INTERRUPTIONS DURING THE
HUNT.


As we drew near the hut which had withstood so hot an assault from the
gang of Jim Gulpin, we saw that its proprietor was seated before his
door, busily engaged in reading a book, in which he appeared deeply
interested, for he never raised his eyes until Rover, who recognized
him, thrust his cold nose on his hand and demanded a welcome.

The old man looked surprised, dropped his book, and then apparently
comprehended that we must be near, for he glanced eagerly round, and
when his eyes fell upon Smith, he started towards us at a brisk pace,
and in a few minutes the two were shaking hands like friends who had
been separated for months and years.

"But where are your companions? Where are the two generous Americans
who fought so bravely when I revenged my daughter's injuries? demanded
the old man, who did not recognize us, dressed as we were in a
respectable-looking thin suit of clothes, and with our beards shaven
off.

"O," answered Smith, carelessly, "they became infatuated with the
pleasures of Melbourne, and have remained behind."

"And our pardons?" asked the stockman, after a moment's silence, during
which we could see that he was struggling for fortitude and composure.

"Here," exclaimed Fred, "a free and unconditional pardon is granted to
convict No. 2921, subject only to the approval of the Home office, for
distinguishing himself in an encounter with a gang of desperate
bushrangers."

The old man knew his voice, and tears, which he had before suppressed,
now flowed freely. He grasped Fred's hands and pressed them
convulsively, and then fell upon me and nearly smothered me with his
embrace.

"Read it again," he cried, handing the pardon to Fred. "Let me once more
be assured that I am a free man."

Fred complied with his request, and was about to inquire concerning his
daughter, when she made her appearance at the door of the hut, and
appeared to be slightly astonished at seeing her father conversing with
strangers.

"Come here, Becky," he cried, "I have news for you--great news."

Followed by the hound, who had sought her out a few moments before, she
came to meet us; and being a more acute observer than her parent, she
readily recognized us in spite of our change of costume.

"Here, Becky," cried the old man, with childish eagerness, "read that
document that his excellency the governor has sent me. I am a free man,
Becky--a free man, and can travel to any part of the island, and not a
soldier or police officer can harm me, or lay the weight of his hand
upon me, and ask why I leave my flocks without permission. I shall yet
be rich, and instead of tending sheep I will own them, and have
shepherds who will look to me for orders. I'll not be known as the
shepherd convict, but the rich landed proprietor. O, I will show you,
Becky, if it pleases God, how I will work, and you shall be a lady, and
no longer dress in cheap stuff, but wear silks, and be waited upon. I
know a thing or two which you little suspect."

"I am contented as I am, if I can but be near you, father," she
answered, trying to check the old man's sudden energy.

"I know, I know; but we must bide our time, and remain poor for the
present, Becky--only for the present."

"Perhaps our visitors would like supper," the young woman suggested, in
hopes of turning the conversation.

"By all means; they shall have the best that we can give," replied the
stockman, emerging from his deep reverie, and playing the host to
perfection. "Cook them the hind quarter of the lamb I killed to-day, and
add whatever else you may have in the house."

"But we object to that," said Fred. "We did not come here to rob you of
your provisions, and while we have a full supply will not trespass upon
your store. It is you whom we invite to share our supper. Recollect we
are just from Melbourne, and have a rare quality of tea in our cart
which we want you and your daughter to test."

"There surely can be no harm in accepting of your offer," replied the
old man, musingly. "When I am rich, it will of course be a different
thing--then you can partake of my hospitality."

"If we proposed to you to help us to wealth, what answer should you
return?" Fred asked of the convict.

"The answer of a grateful, honest man. Show me that the means to get the
wealth are honest, and I will work without complaining, for months, and
when you are satisfied with your share of worldly goods, I will seek to
get mine," returned the old man, promptly.

"Then we ask your aid for the space of a few days. In yonder forest, a
treasure is buried, and we expect that some work is required to find it.
Will you aid us?"

"With all my heart," replied the stockman, without a moment's
hesitation. "I am under too great an obligation to you, gentlemen, to
refuse assistance in so small a matter. When shall we start?"

"To-morrow morning, at daylight. Time is precious to us until we find
the treasure."

"I hope you will not be disappointed in your search," returned the old
man, apparently restored to his usual clear-headedness with the prospect
of something to do. "A secret like Gulpin's must have been known or
suspected by others beside his band. For a few days past I have seen
strange men wandering around the edge of the wood, although they did not
appear to be regular bushrangers. They may have the same object in view
as yourselves, but without your knowledge of the locality of the gold.

"If they are bushrangers we will fight them, but if honest people in
search of the treasure, we will laugh at them for their pains, and
ridicule them for their trouble," the old man continued. "I see that
Smith and my daughter have managed to get something to eat. Suppose we
have supper first, and discuss the best means of accomplishing your ends
afterwards?"

"By the way, we forget to tell you that your share of money, for the
capture of bushrangers, is awaiting your order," Fred said, during
supper, speaking to the stockman.

"I feel content with the paper which contains my pardon, and think that
I am amply rewarded. I desire nothing more from government."

Finding that the subject was distasteful to the old man, we said no
more, but after the table was cleared away, we lighted our pipes and
planned the business which was to occupy us early the next morning. Our
arrangements were soon completed and agreed upon. We readily came to the
conclusion to unload all of our baggage excepting what we should want
while absent; and instead of taking eight oxen, we concluded to take
only four, as that number could be provided for much easier than all of
them. We also concluded to leave our horses, and let the old man's
daughter keep her eyes on them during the day, and confine them in the
enclosure which was used for herding sheep during the night.

With this idea, we began making our preparations for an early start. Our
shovels and pickaxes were articles which we should want in digging, and
three days' provisions were also placed upon the cart, together with our
bedding and mosquito bars to prevent the insects from eating us alive
during our sleeping hours.

Our rifles were also examined, and at length satisfied that we were
ready for an early start, we bid our host and daughter good night and
retired to our usual sleeping place, under the cart, with Rover at our
feet, ready to give notice of the slightest appearance of danger.

It was still dark when the stockman aroused us, but a pale light in the
eastern heavens showed that day would soon break. Although we were tired
with our long journey, yet we did not stand a second call, and in an
hour's time after being aroused, we had despatched our hastily cooked
breakfast, and were on the road and urging the cattle towards the dark
and sombre appearing woods where the gang of Black Darnley had been
signally defeated.

It was about eight o'clock when we reached the place where we had
entered formerly. Every thing appeared as we had left it. The forest
path seemed to have been untrodden since the day when we had made a
funeral pile of the remains of the bushrangers, yet there was one
peculiarity that struck me as rather odd--the entire absence of parrots,
whose croakings used to attract our attention, and whose plumage, gaudy
and varied, commanded our admiration.

While Smith unyoked the cattle and chained them to a tree, under which a
good supply of grass was to be had, I took my rifle, and calling to
Rover, started towards the bushrangers' camp, or rather where it had
stood before we had given it to the flames.

I had not walked ten rods before I thought I saw the figure of a man
glide from behind a tree and disappear in a thicket of brush. I stopped,
and with rifle on the cock, waited for his re-appearance; but as I heard
nothing from him, I concluded that I would beat up his quarters before
the rest of my party came along.

I examined the thicket, and to my surprise, found that it was composed
of a species of brier, with long, needle-like thorns upon every twig,
and that the idea of a man's passing through it, unless dressed in
armor, was impossible, as he would have been punctured in every pore,
and would have shed blood at every step. I did not like to think that I
had been subjected to an optical delusion, and so I continued on for a
short distance, but could find no trail, although I observed that Rover
snuffled around in an unusual manner, and appeared uneasy.

"Hullo," cried Fred, who had now entered the woods with the rest of the
party, "what are you doing away from the path?"

I returned a trivial answer, and joined them in their walk towards the
clearing; yet I felt as though I had not done my duty, and examined the
mysterious disappearance of the shadow which I saw, with sufficient
attention. A fear of ridicule and a dread of wasting time alone
prevented me from speaking.

"The woods are unusually quiet," the stockman said, as we moved along in
Indian file. "I never visited here without being provoked at the
ceaseless chatter of the parrots, and yet to-day but few are to be heard
and none seen. They have become shy, and an explanation would be
satisfactory to account for the fact."

As no surmise was made by either of the party, the conversation
dropped, and it was not until we were standing over the half charred
bones of the bushrangers, which had been pawed around by the fox-like
animals of the woods, that we again spoke.

The ashes of the burned hut were still visible, so that its location was
defined without trouble, but the great question to be solved was where
the treasure lay buried. To determine this we had purchased an excellent
pocket compass in Melbourne, and upon taking the bearings we found that
the bushrangers were exactly in a south-west direction from where the
hut stood.

"Now," said the old stockman, "repeat the exact words of Gulpin, when
telling you of the buried money."

"Ten paces in a south--," I replied, promptly.

"Nothing more?" he demanded.

"Not a syllable."

"Then let us set the compass and pace off the distance in a south-west
line, and begin digging."

The ten paces were gravely gone through with, and I found that the grass
where they terminated bore no indications of having been disturbed. I
shook my head and expressed a decided opinion that no ground had been
broken there for a year, at the least calculation. Fred was of my
opinion, and began to have serious doubts of the truth of the story of
Gulpin.

I was still hopeful, and glanced over the opening to see if I could
discover signs of the earth having been recently disturbed. While I was
thus occupied, Rover was scratching among the bones which were
plentifully strewed around, and a sudden thought occurred to me. I
consulted the compass, and was glad to find that my surmises were not
contrary to the dying confession of Gulpin.

I paced off ten paces in a south-east direction, and the last step
brought me exactly in the midst of the bones and ashes of the
bushrangers.

I seized a spade and struck it into the ground, and was about to call my
companions' attention to the spot, when a sharp report was heard near at
hand, in the bushes, and a musket ball whizzed within two inches of my
head.

We were all too much accustomed to life in the bush to remain in open
ground when an unseen enemy was disposed to exercise his skill on one of
us, so that in less than half a second's time we were under cover, and
watching with tolerably sharp eyes for the first movement of the man who
had attempted to riddle my carcass with his confounded bullet.

For half an hour we waited, and not a leaf stirred. The dog had ranged
through the forest, and once, by his peculiar howl, we thought some
mishap had befallen him, but beyond a few spots of blood on his nose, he
appeared to be quite unharmed, and seemed anxious to again go in search
of our enemy.

Fearful that his life would be endangered, I kept him near me, and for
another half hour we waited, motionless, in anticipation of an attack,
yet none came.

Presently I heard a slight noise behind me, and turning suddenly, with
my rifle presented, I found that the muzzle was lodged against the head
of the stockman, who had been reconnoitring in the vicinity, and yet so
quietly that I was not aware that he had left the bush under which he
sought shelter.

"I have examined the bushes carefully, and no signs of a bushranger are
to be seen," the old man said, laying the long gun which he was
accustomed to use by his side, and brushing off a few specks of dust
which had collected on the barrel.

"It is a mystery to me how he disappeared so soon after discharging his
gun," I said.

The old man shook his head, and, laying one finger on my arm,
whispered,--"Do you believe in spirits?"

"Do you mean this kind?" I asked, drawing a flask of excellent whiskey
from my pocket and offering him a drink.

"No, I didn't mean this kind," the stockman said, slowly raising it to
his mouth, and I could hear the liquor coursing down his throat in a
stream.

"No," he repeated, removing the bottle from his mouth, and drawing a
long breath, "I didn't mean these kinds of spirits, because there's no
harm in them, and the more a man gets the better he is off. I meant the
kind of spirits which wander about the earth, and play tricks upon
living men."

"Ah, a sort of ghost, I suppose you mean," I answered.

"Precisely," replied the stockman, mechanically taking the bottle from
my hand and again applying it to his lips; "ghosts are the fellows--they
do every thing without being seen; and why should not the spirit of
Gulpin hover around this spot, and repel all attempts to get at his
money?"

"I know of but two reasons," I replied, gently taking the bottle from my
friend's hands, for fear that my share of its contents would be very
meagre; "in the first place, ghosts usually don't care about money, as
they have no use for it in the country in which they spend a large
portion of their time."

"That's true," replied the man, making a dive to get the bottle in his
possession, but I prevented this, by applying it to my own lips.

"In the next place," I continued, pausing to take breath, "fire, but not
fire-arms is furnished to refractory spirits; and if I am any judge of
worldly matters, it was a piece of lead that whizzed past my head half
an hour ago."

"Then you don't believe that the sound which we considered the report of
a gun was produced by evil spirits, who are set here to guard the
treasure of Gulpin?"

"It is more likely a bushranger was secreted in the bushes, or behind
the trees, and that when he aimed, he intended to make short work of one
of us, in hope of frightening the remainder."

"Then give me another drink, and if the scamp wants a muss he can have
one, for I'm not going to remain here, broiling under the hot sun, all
day."

The old man snatched the flask from my hand, and before I could stop
him, had nearly drained it of its contents. I discovered, for the first
time, that day, that the stockman was no longer under self-control when
he had tasted liquor, and from that period until our acquaintance ceased
I never again offered it to him.

I sought to restrain him, but in vain; with a fanatical yell he plunged
into the clearing, and waving his long gun over his head, he dared
spirit, ghost, or bushranger to meet him on even ground.

There was no response to his challenge, and considering that it was
cowardly to let him remain there alone, the rest of us quickly gathered
around, and requested him to lie down for a short time.

He repelled us with scorn, at the imputation that he was drunk; and
finding that it was impossible to reason with him, we left him digging
away as though for life, and throwing the dirt in the form of a parapet.

We separated and scoured the woods within a radius of half a mile, but
not a sign of a bushranger could we detect, and somewhat reassured by
our search, we returned to the stockman, who was working most
industriously, and leaving Smith to remain concealed, and give us
warning of the approach of danger, we joined labor with the old man,
although not in the same place in which he was at work.

I had reasoned on the subject, and came to the conclusion that if Gulpin
had buried his money, he would like to destroy all evidence of its
concealment. He and his gang were on friendly terms with Darnley, and
the former had piled up the dead bodies, with the evident intention of
consuming them with fire, as we had afterwards done, on our second
visit.

Now, it struck me as being likely that the spot where the gold was
buried would be chosen by a man who was inclined to be superstitious,
for the finale of the grand tragedy, and perhaps impressed with the
thought that the dead men would guard his treasure securely.

With this conviction, Fred and myself broke ground amidst a heap of
ashes, without a thought or care of the invisible guard, and in a few
minutes we had excavated a moderate sized hole, and would have continued
working, had not Smith interrupted us by pointing to the sun, and
advising a respite, owing to the danger of a sun-stroke.

As our hands were somewhat blistered, and we had as yet not discovered
the first sign of gold, we readily took his advice, and upon repairing
to the spot where the stockman was supposed to be at work, we found that
the bottle had proved too much for him. He was lying on his back in the
place which he had excavated, with his face exposed to the sun, the
shovel clasped tightly in his arms, and his snoring sounded like distant
thunder.

It was with some difficulty that we at length aroused him, and got him
to the cart, where he was allowed to rest and sleep as long as he
pleased, and while he was thus employed, we made another discovery,
which set us to wondering.




CHAPTER XXIV.

ROBBERY OF THE CART.--CAPTURE OF STEEL SPRING.


What caused us so much surprise was the fact that during our absence the
cart was visited, our provisions overhauled, a portion carried off, and
one or two bottles of claret emptied. It was evident that the thief was
in too great a hurry to draw the cork, even if he had had a corkscrew,
of which there was some doubt; so he had just broken the necks of the
bottles on one of the wheels, and then drank to satiety.

Our visitor was no ghost-like character, who could pass through a hole
and not feel inconvenienced. According to the quantity of provisions
which he had eaten and carried off, he must have possessed a human
stomach of remarkable voracity.

It was very evident that we had a thief of extraordinary shrewdness to
deal with, and that unless we were a little sharper we should be cheated
of our gold and fleeced of our provisions--two reflections not very
comforting.

We held a long conference and debated the best way to entrap our
opponent, and yet we could reach no conclusion, and were about to
provide our dinners, when Rover bounded from the bushes with a piece of
cloth in his mouth, which he shook and played with for some time before
he would relinquish.

It was the remnant of a blue flannel shirt, and the idea struck me that
our visitor had not only taken our provisions, but had stolen a portion
of our clothing. I examined the few articles which I had brought and
found that my surmise was correct. A pair of pants and a shirt were
missing; but I felt glad to think that the exchange had been made, as
now I considered that we had our friend on the hip.

I explained to Fred and Smith the manner in which we could track our
visitor, and they agreed to assist me in trying the experiment. I called
the hound, and laid the remnant of the shirt before him. Thinking that I
meant to have a lark with him, he began to tear the flannel and play as
formerly, but I touched him with a small switch and he crouched at my
feet, and looked up so reproachful and timid that I was almost sorry to
think I was obliged to correct him. I steadily persevered until I
impressed upon the mind of the hound that he was to follow the one who
had worn the shirt, and if there was not scent enough the thief was not
to blame, for the article looked as though it had seen service.

At length the dog comprehended me. He trotted to the cart, walked around
it once or twice, with his nose close to the ground, and when he had got
track of the thief he uttered a low bay of satisfaction, and looked up
into my face as much as to say, "shall I go on?"

We caught up our rifles, and leaving the sleeping stockman to continue
his nap, we motioned the dog to start, and followed close at his heels.

He led the way along the path until he came to the spot where I imagined
I had seen a man disappear, and after snuffing for a moment, the hound
trotted on, sometimes leaping over bushes four feet high, a feat which
we found not easy of accomplishment, tired as we were, and the heat up
to over a hundred in the shade of a forest.

If the animal got two rods in advance of us, a word was sufficient to
check him until we came up, when, receiving our praise with an
acknowledgment in the shape of a wag of his tail, he would trot on with
renewed watchfulness.

We observed that our course led us towards the spot where we had been
digging a few minutes before, and as we neared the clearing our
watchfulness increased. Not a tree was passed without anxious glances
being cast among the branches to see if an enemy lurked there, but
nothing in the shape of a man was to be seen.

At length we were within a few steps of the bushes from whence we
supposed the gun to have been discharged. Immediately in front of us was
a low tree of the balsam species, with branches and leaves so close
together that it was impossible to see through the top. The foliage was
most dense, and the thought suddenly occurred to me that if a man wished
to secrete himself that tree would be the one which he would choose from
amongst the thousands within sight. I was not, therefore, greatly
surprised when Rover suddenly stopped and exhibited signs of having
treed his game.

"The thief is lodged in that tree," shouted Fred, eagerly.

"It is singular that we did not think of examining it before," I
remarked, as we sheltered ourselves behind trees, for we had evidence
that, whoever he was, he possessed a gun and know how to use it, and
therefore we did not wish to needlessly expose our lives to his aim.

Rover acted in a frantic manner. He stood upon his hind legs and sought
to get at his enemy, and when finding that he could not, he appealed to
us for assistance; and for fear that he should get injured I called him
away,--an order which he obeyed most reluctantly.

"Come down from the tree," shouted Fred, "and we will give you quarter
and kind treatment."

There was no answer; we listened, but not a movement was to be heard. An
old parrot, that was perched high upon a blasted tree, attempted to
imitate our cry, but he got no further than the first word, and that
appeared to puzzle him so much that he gave up in despair and remained
mute with disgust.

"Do you surrender?" he yelled.

Not a word was heard in reply.

"He is like the flying Dutchman," cried Smith, a slight superstitious
feeling beginning to creep over him.

"Give him a shot, then, and see if he cannot be brought down," Fred
said.

I saw that Smith had no particular relish for the duty, but for fear
that we should laugh at him he raised his gun and discharged one barrel.

The leaves flew as though the tree had been struck by a whirlwind. A
small branch was cut off by the bullet and fell to the ground; but no
sign of an enemy was manifest.

"It's no use," cried Smith, with a lengthened visage. "We might waste
all our ammunition and the result would still be the same. It's no human
being in that tree."

"We'll see," replied Fred, briefly, and he aimed his rifle near the top
of the tree, and fired.

Not near as many leaves fell as at Smith's discharge, but the effect was
more astonishing. The tree swayed back and forth as though some one was
moving in its centre, and from amidst the dense foliage a voice
exclaimed,--

"Blast yer hies, vot is yer doing?"

"Here, Smith," cried Fred, "there is a cockney countryman of yours up
there."

"Come down," we roared.

"See ye hanged first, and then I von't," repeated the voice in the tree.

"Then we shall have to send another bullet into the tree to start you."

"If ye don't cut hout of these diggins, yer'll wish that ye had,"
replied our defiant acquaintance.

"Once for all, will you surrender?" was demanded.

"See ye blasted fust," was returned, in a dogmatical manner.

Fred let fly another bullet into the tree, and this time with remarkable
success; for suddenly a singular-looking genius, with wonderful long
legs, and those dressed in untanned skins of the kangaroo, hair side
out, tumbled from the tree, feet foremost, and with bounds which I
thought no human being capable of, sprang over the bushes and attempted
to escape, which he no doubt would have done, as we were too much
surprised to think of checking his career with a bullet, had not the
hound, with a yell of satisfaction, followed in pursuit.

We started as fast as possible for the purpose of preventing the dog
from killing the man outright, as we feared he would, but our alarm was
groundless; for after a smart run of a quarter of a mile, we found the
hound standing over his victim, and exhibiting a wicked set of grinders
at every motion which his prisoner made to escape.

"Vot is the meanin' of this 'ere kind of a go?" demanded our prisoner,
as we gravely took seats upon fallen trees, and regarded him with great
interest.

The fellow was a curiosity, and I have often laughed at the ridiculous
appearance which he made upon our first meeting in the woods of
Australia.

His long legs and feet were encased in the skins of kangaroos, which
accounted for the ease with which he passed through the bushes and left
no scent but of the animal, for Rover to follow, and as I had often
punished him for chasing kangaroos without permission, it sufficiently
explained why the poor dog was so puzzled.

The skins of the animals appeared to have been fitted to the legs and
feet of our prisoner while green, and by drying them on his limbs he was
then unable to remove them without an hour's washing in water; a process
which, by the looks of the fellow, he seemed to have no relish for; the
dirt was glued upon his face as though it was warranted to wash,
although it's doubtful if he ever tried the experiment; and I may as
well observe here that water was his abhorrence, and he never drank it
unless he couldn't get something stronger. Upon the back of the scamp
was a new blue flannel shirt, which he had stolen from the wagon,
leaving his old one in exchange, and by the means of which we had traced
him to his resting-place. Around his neck was a silk handkerchief
belonging to Smith, and on his head was a skin cap, with a long tail
which hung over his shoulders and resembled the brush of a fox.

"Will ye call hoff the hanimal, and let me up?" cried our new
acquaintance, casting rueful looks towards us.

"Where did you come from?" asked Fred.

"Vy, didn't you see? I dropped down from the tree."

"Yes, we are aware of that; but how came you in this part of the country
alone?"

"How does you know I'se 'lone?" asked the fellow, with such a
significant leer that we involuntarily glanced over our shoulders as
though expecting a gang of ferocious bushrangers to be within gunshot.

"Answer me," cried Fred, with pretended sternness, placing the muzzle of
the rifle against the fellow's heart. "Tell me where you came from, and
what you wish in the neighborhood?"

"Vell, I vill, if ye von't hinger my feelings with the cold iron. Take
away the gun and I'll do the right thing. 'Pon the 'onor of a gentleman,
I will."

We laughed at his last remark, and the fellow joined in with us good
naturedly, as though he did not expect to be believed.

"Very well, sit up and tell your story," we said; and calling off the
dog, who manifested a great reluctance to obey, we permitted him to take
an easier position.

"Vell, the fact of the matter is, I am strolling round 'ere just for the
fun of shooting parrots."

"You know that you are lying," Fred said, sternly.

The fellow seemed to think a compliment had been paid him, for he
grinned so hard that the dirt actually cracked on his face and peeled
off in scales. A motion towards our rifles brought him to his reason.

"Stop that," he cried, "and I'll tell hall."

"Go on," we repeated.

"Vell, then, I s'pose I'm 'ere for the same thing as vot you're here
for."

"Well, what is that?" I asked.

"Vy, you know--the hold boy's tin vich he buried afore he vas taken up
and dished."

"What do you mean?" I inquired, wishing to see how much he knew.

"O, don't 'tempt to gammon me, 'case I knows by the way that yer
does--that yer knows all 'bout the trick. But I say, can't I come in for
shooks?"

"Then you know that there is money buried near here?"

"Hof course I does. Didn't I see Jim Gulpin ven he planted it, and
didn't I run hoff the next day, and ven I hears that Jim is a goner, and
had got into the hands of the beaks, didn't I leave the mines, vere the
vork is jolly 'ard, and come 'ere with the intention of raising it, and
having a jolly good blow out at Melbourne?"

"Then you have been connected with a gang of bushrangers?" Fred asked.

"Vell, I did use to do the cookin' for 'em, vile they did the robbin';
but then you wouldn't blow on a fellow, would you?"

"What did you make a target of my body for?" I inquired.

"Vell, I vill be plain, and no mistake. I did think that if it killed
von of ye, vy the rest vould run, and then I should be left alone to
ring the blunt."

"And why did you not continue to fire at us?"

"'Cos I hadn't got any more bullets," was the frank answer; and on
examination of his powder pouch, we found such to be the case.

"What have you done with your ammunition?"

"Vell, I had to live on something, so I used to shoot into flocks of
parrots; but I've skeered 'em all hoff, I believe."

"And why did you not try to get hold of a sheep? There are plenty of
those within five miles of the forest."

"And get pinked by the hold shepherd wid the long gun?" he demanded,
with a knowing grin, which showed that he had heard of the skill of the
old man with his smooth bore.

"You have confessed that you once belonged to a gang of bushrangers, and
you may have been guilty of many crimes. It is a duty which we owe to
the government to either hang you, or else deliver you to the police.
Which do you prefer?"

"Vell, to tell the plain truth, I don't like neither plan, and I don't
b'leeve that you will do it."

"Why?" we asked, astonished at his assurance

"'Cos, then I couldn't help you get the dirt out if you give me up to
the police. I'd peach 'bout it," and then you'd have to fork over to the
government, and would get nothing for your pains."

"But suppose we should despatch you on the spot?"

"But there's no use s'posing any thing of the kind. 'Mericans don't
often kill people in cold blood."

"You know that we are Americans?" we demanded, in astonishment.

"Of course I does. Didn't I 'ear all about ye vile I vas at the mines?
Didn't the papers bring hus the news?"

"But how do you know that we are those which the papers mention?"

"'Cos I guess at it, and I don't think I'm a great deal hout of the
way."

"And if we consent to spare your life you will consent to lend us your
aid in searching for the gold?" I asked. "Won't I? You just try me and
see if I don't serve you 'bout right. I'm a regular hout and houter ven
I takes a likin' to any one."

"On these conditions we will consent to protect and spare you. But mind,
no tricks. The first indications which we discover of your playing us
false, shall be your last moment on earth."

"All right," replied the long-legged individual, with a chuckle of
delight.

"Now, tell us what your name is," Fred demanded.

"Steel Spring," he answered, with another grin.

"Then, Mr. Steel Spring, as you say that you are a good cook, we will
test your truthfulness. Return with us to the cart, and let us see a
sample of your skill."

"I'll do that, and you'll say that, however ugly I look, I'm just the
feller to sarve as a cook."

Uttering these words in a chanting sort of way, Mr. Steel Spring
stretched out his legs with a jerk, which resembled the sudden opening
of a jackknife. He stood upon his feet, and then we had an opportunity
to see how long and lank he really was; and yet beneath all his withered
skin we saw that his muscles were of prodigious size, and that his
strength must he astonishing.

We motioned for him to lead the way, and in a few moments we reached the
cart, beneath which the old stockman was still snoring.




CHAPTER XXV.

STEEL SPRING'S HISTORY


Steel Spring made no idle boast when he said he was famous as a cook. In
a shorter space of time than I conceived possible, he had built a fire,
boiled water, and made an excellent dish of coffee, and then spreading
our provisions under the shade of a tree, he informed us that our
dinners were ready.

By this time Hardum, the stockman, was awake, and repentant, as most men
usually are after a drinking bout. He seemed surprised that we had made
an addition to our company during his snoring hours, but he was too
proud, or too much ashamed, to ask any questions concerning the mystery.

As for Steel Spring, I observed that that amiable, long-legged
individual eyed the stockman rather narrowly, as though he expected a
few words of reproach, or something worse; but in this he was mistaken;
for Hardum contented himself with expressing surprise at the length of
his pedal extremities, and wanted to know if he was not sired by a
kangaroo--an expression which our new acquaintance laughed at, as he
wished to conciliate the old man.

As the sun poured down with scorching severity, and two hours would
elapse before we could venture to return to our work without fear of
being sun struck, we lighted our pipes, and stretched our forms beneath
the shade of a gum tree, leisurely watched the smoke of the fragrant
tobacco as it curled over our heads.

For a long time we smoked in silence, until at length Fred grew weary of
the monotonous stillness, and wishing to add a slight stock of
information to our store, exclaimed,--"Steel Spring," and he regarded
that wonderful being with a knowing glance, "you have a history. All men
have histories, and I know that you are not exempt from the common lot."

"Well, I don't deny that I've seen a thing or two in my life, and that
it has been an eventful one," he answered.

"Then," said Fred, refilling his pipe, and composing himself in an
easier attitude, "you will be kind enough to tell it for our
entertainment."

"I'll villingly do that, sir, if you'll promise not to go to sleep."

"We can give no pledges," replied Fred, with a grin. "Whether we go to
sleep or keep awake remains with the historian to decide."

"Veil, then, I'll do my best," and Steel Spring crossed his right leg,
as though it had helped him on many occasions.

I will relate his account of his life, although I shall leave his
cockney expressions out, as much of it may mar the beauty and humor of
the recital. I don't vouch for the truth of what he told us, and, in
fact, I don't believe that Steel Spring himself meant that we should.
However, he always swore that he spoke the truth, and, in lack of
evidence, we were bound to believe him.

"I was born twenty-six years ago, in the vicinity of Belgrave Square,
London, and as the locality was an aristocratic one, I need not mention
that my parents were wealthy, and circulated in the highest circles in
the kingdom. There was great rejoicing when I came into the world, and I
have been told that Parliament adjourned in honor of the event."

"I wish to ask if the narrative is to consist of lies?" inquired Fred.

The fellow grinned as though he had been complimented, and without
replying, continued,--"I was sent to Eton when I grew old enough, and
all that money could do was expended towards completing my education.
Latin and Greek, however, are languages which I was never able to
master, and it's owing to my dislike to them that I am now here. I will
explain the reason, so that you may not interrupt me with expressions of
astonishment. I was destined, when only ten years of age, to succeed the
ambassador to Greece, an uncle of mine, who was full of years and
honors, and wished to retire on half pay, like an invalid soldier or
gouty bishop. You will see the reason why I was supplied with Greek
roots, until I thought my brain would turn in digging them. But tasks
and whippings were in vain. The more I was beaten the less I learned,
and the upshot of the matter was that I was sent home, and then kicked
out of doors by an indignant father, who swore in good English that if
my head was only as long in proportion as my legs, I should have
comprehended the dead languages in less than a month.

"Alas! how little do parents understand the feelings which animate the
bosom of their offspring. I who was--"

"Quit your moralizing, and drive on with your story," growled Fred.

"All right, sir," replied Steel Spring, not the least disconcerted.

"I had, when kicked from the home of which I was destined to be the
ornament, only a half crown in my pocket--smuggled there by an indulgent
mother, who dreaded her husband's wrath. I knew that the money would
purchase me a rasher of bacon and half a dozen pots of half-and-half,
but that would not support me forever, you know, and it was necessary
that I should stir these stumps which my heartless father had ridiculed.

"With this idea I exchanged my elegant suit of black clothes which I was
wearing, and dressed myself in others of a less attractive nature; and I
will also state that I received a half crown from the Hebrew with whom
I traded--a piece of generosity on his part as unexpected as any thing I
ever met in this world.

"After I had made the exchange I hardly knew myself, and I thought with
joy that if my father's heart relented, he would not be able to discover
me in the disguise which I wore. In fact, it was perfect; and for the
purpose of testing it, I went to Hyde Park, and stood near the ring, and
as the noble lords and ladies passed me--those, I mean, with whom I was
on visiting terms--it made my heart swell to think that they did not
even deign to look at me."

"I have no doubt of it," said Smith, dryly; and the fact of his being an
Englishman made him appreciate the story of Steel Spring the more.

"I quitted Hyde Park, and to preserve my spirits I went to a public
house, and drank a full quart of beer--a feat which I had often
performed, but never with such good will. The proprietor of the house
noticed the ready manner in which I emptied his pewter, and then
surveying my legs, judged, very rightly, that I would make an excellent
pot boy. He hinted at his want of assistance, and made me an offer of a
crown a week, and the privilege of drinking the slops left in the pots.
He did not have to make the proposal twice; I accepted without delay,
donned a white apron, and the intended ambassador to the classic land of
song and ruins went to work supplying workmen with beer and pipes. No
one, to have looked at me in the bar room, would have mistrusted my
noble birth, and I have often thought of the singular freaks of fortune.
Some are raised by the magic wand, and others are depressed. How little
did the nobility, as they gazed on my fair face, when an infant, think
that the object of their admiration would one day become--"

"Will you go on with the story, and drop the nobility?" demanded Fred.

"With the greatest pleasure, because I bear them no love, they having
dropped me at an early age. At that public house all of my misfortunes
commenced; and, singularly enough, I had no serious suspicions, until I
was arrested and lodged in prison, that the proprietor of the concern
was a dealer in counterfeit silver. I had often observed that all the
change that came from the bar was new, and looked as though fresh from
the mint, but I didn't dream that it was counterfeit; and when a police
officer nabbed me, and searched my pockets, and exhibited a few bad
shillings, I thought I should die with shame, for I little suspected
that I was the medium through which the money was circulated.

"I protested my innocence, but the wretches said that my appearance was
not in my favor, and that my sweet face was certain to lead me to the
gallows; and faith, I was afraid that it had, yet my pride did not
permit me to send for my parents and the nobility, a word from whom
would have set me free."

"Steer clear of the nobility, if you please," cried Fred.

"All right, sir; well, would you believe it, the villains had the
audacity to arraign me before the beak, when I pleaded not guilty, and
dared them to the proof.

"I have a faint recollection that my defiance availed me but little,
for I was brought in guilty; and when the old beak sentenced me to
transportation for twenty years, he took occasion to say that I was the
worst looking prisoner he had seen for many years. I thought, even then,
how much respect he would feel, were he but aware that I was connected
with the nobility--"

"Never mind the nobility," broke in Fred.

"I don't intend to, hereafter, as I think that I am better off without
their acquaintance. Well, in a few days I was put on board of a ship,
with a number of other distinguished gentlemen, and I started on my long
voyage to Australia.

"Jim Gulpin was one of the passengers, and I early made his
acquaintance, and won his friendship by a few acts of kindness, which
distinguished strangers should always extend to each other. In fact, I
became so useful to the officers of the ship that I was installed as an
assistant cook; and when I was obliged to part with them, owing to the
pressing solicitations of the wretch who has the charge of the hulks at
Hobson's Bay, I don't think that there was a dry eye on board, from the
captain to my illustrious commander, the chief cook.

"Owing to good recommendations, I was set at work doing scullion's duty
at the hulks--a situation which I filled to the satisfaction not only of
myself, but to the officers who had charge of me. I got plenty to eat,
for I looked out for that, and I think that I should have served out my
time with great contentment had I not learned that my old friend Gulpin
had made his escape, but not until he had done for one of his keepers. A
sudden desire to travel possessed me; I longed to see the world, to be
free, and accumulate wealth so that I could return to London, and
astonish the nobility and my hard-hearted parents.

"I watched my chance, and one day when I was on a visit to Melbourne for
the purpose of carrying a bundle for one of the keepers, I thought I
would begin my travels; so I started on a dog trot, in a direction
opposite from the hulks, and when a pistol was discharged at my fine
form, it had the effect of quickening my pace materially. Finding that
the shot had no effect, the keeper ran after me; but what chance do you
suppose he had with me, the possessor of such a pair of legs? In five
minutes I had run him out of sight, but after I got outside of the city
I did not lessen my speed, for I recollected that there was a mounted
police force in Melbourne, and that they had a fancy for scouring the
country in search of escaped convicts.

"With nothing to eat, excepting what I was enabled to steal--I don't
mean steal--but then I didn't pay for such as I got, because I had no
money in my pocket--I managed to subsist, and by skulking in the woods
during daylight, and travelling at night, I struggled on, undetected.

"I used to visit encampments, and load myself with every thing that I
considered necessary for my happiness, and by such means I soon was
enabled to dispense with my convict suit, which was calculated to
attract more attention than was desirable.

"A number of miners must have been greatly astonished, upon awakening in
the morning, to find that most of their stores were gone, and perhaps
they attributed their disappearance to magic. If they did they were
wrong, for I hold myself personally responsible, and intend some day to
settle for all that I took, and I will not only pay interest, but
principal also. Can any thing be more honorable?"

"But how are you to know whom to settle with?" demanded Fred.

"That is none of my business," replied Steel Spring, with a cunning
leer. "It is sufficient for me to know that I am ready to settle when
the bills are presented, and I don't consider that I am bound to hunt
all over the world for the purpose of finding my creditors."

"Your ideas are certainly original, and deserving of consideration,"
returned Fred, amused at the fellow's impudence. "But finish your
history."

"By such honorable means I was enabled to work my way along, striving to
reach the mines, where I expected to earn an independence, when one day
I fell in with a few notorious characters called bushrangers. The
villains searched me, expecting to find gold, thinking that a gentleman
of my respectable appearance must be loaded with wealth; but for the
honor of mankind I am glad to say that they didn't get so much as a
shilling piece.

"The robbers, intensely disgusted, swore that I must go with them, as
their captain wanted a cook; and although I insisted that I was not
qualified for the station which they intended to elevate me to, they
only replied that I must either be hanged or work. I need not tell you
which I preferred.

"When I was taken prisoner I had a large supply of provisions on my
back, and they asked me why I hadn't stolen more while my hand was in.
In vain I protested that I was innocent of crime. I was laughed at and
marched off towards this forest, when their renowned captain was
introduced to me, and who should he prove to be but my old friend, Jim
Gulpin.

"Of course, I was at home at once, and for many months I shared the
meals and confidence of my illustrious commander; but at length getting
dissatisfied with my share of the prize money, I procured a dishonorable
discharge, and went off to the mines in the night time, where I managed
to subsist by my honesty."

"You mean," replied Smith, "that you were afraid of being dishonest, as
the miners have a summary method of disposing of thieves."

Steel Spring grinned, as though he didn't wish to gainsay the truth of
the remark.

"But about the buried money. You have said nothing about that," I
observed.

"I knew that there was money buried there, because one day Gulpin sent
his gang away on an expedition, and then started me after a sheep, (no
offence to the old shepherd.) I thought something was up, so instead of
hurrying to do his bidding I skulked around until he thought I was out
of the way, and then I saw him dig a hole and put a bag into the earth
and cover it up, and try and make the place appear as though it had not
been disturbed. I smelt a rat, but never let on that I knew any thing of
the matter, and it was not until I heard that Jim and Darnley's gangs
were destroyed that I thought I would visit my old haunts and endeavor
to get rich at once. I have been in the neighborhood a week, skulking
about to see if any other person was lurking near for the same object as
myself, and you may imagine my surprise when I saw four men marching up
to take possession of that which I considered my own."

"Do you still entertain the same opinion?" I inquired.

"My opinion since I have entered your service is your opinion, for you
are four and I'm one;" and Steel Spring, with a contented look, knocked
the ashes from his pipe, and gathered up the remains of our dinner and
placed them in the cart with wonderful despatch.

"We will trust you," said Fred, after scanning the man's face; "but if
you serve us a trick we shall remember it."

"You will find it for your interest to do so," was the composed reply,
and bidding him follow, we took our rifles and led the way towards the
buried treasure.




CHAPTER XXVI.

FINDING OF THE TREASURE.


By the time we reached the scene of our gold digging operations the
greater portion of the heat of the day was passed, and we felt refreshed
and ready to commence work with a will. Steel Spring, who had promised
his valuable aid in searching for the treasure, in consideration that we
would befriend him and save his neck from the grasp of the police, had
led the way with immense strides, and a confident air that inspired us
with renewed hope and bright anticipations of success.

Upon reaching the ground we found that our shovels and picks were
undisturbed, and it was evident that no visitor had intruded during our
_lengthy absence_.

"Come, Steel Spring," I said, addressing that worthy personage, "point
out the right spot for us to dig, and then we will go to work _without
delay_."

"But I can't do that vithout some calculation and study. All great
hengineers has to investigate before vorking, and I'm no exception to
the rule."

"Why, you miserable scamp," cried Fred, angrily, "didn't you say that
you could lead us to the very spot where the treasure was buried?"

"Vell, vot if I did? Can't a man make 'stakes--and vouldn't you 'ave
said that you knew something, if a rifle vos placed agin your brains,
and a feller threatened to blow 'em hout?"

"Then you mean to say that you have imposed upon us?' I asked, coolly,
seeing that Fred was likely to get into a passion.

"No, I don't say that, 'cos tain't so; and I should but tell a lie if I
spoke in that way. A falsehood is an abomination vich I can't stand, and
I was never guilty of one," answered the fellow, with a grin which
proved how well he liked to stretch the truth.

"Explain your meaning," said Fred, "or I will hang you on a gum tree,
and use you as a scarecrow." "Vell, didn't I tell you I saw the money
buried from a distance? You don't s'pose that I would be very near when
Jim Gulpin was doing secret things, does you?"

I made no answer, and he continued,--

"I took good care to be hoff so far that he couldn't even smell me, 'cos
I knew that if I had but vinked once vithin ten rods he would have seen
me, and then vot would 'ave been the consequence?"

Fred replied that he supposed he would have been kicked in a summary
manner, and he was not sure but he deserved it.

"Had it only been kicking I could 'ave taken it very comfortably and
thought nothing of it--but no, sir, it would have been nothing of the
kind. It would 'ave been after this fashion."

He made an expressive motion with his hand across his throat, and
judging from the habits and antecedents of the illustrious bushranger,
there is but little doubt that he did wisely in placing a great distance
between them.

"Well, point out the spot which you think contains the money," I said.

"Vell, I can do that, although I'm not to be 'bused and deprived of my
supper if I don't happen to hit right."

"You shall be treated according to your merits," cried Smith, who had
listened patiently to his woes, and was amused at his impudence.

"Vell, if I is treated according to my merits it's all I vants, 'cos
I'se certain to get 'nuff to heat and drink without vorking very
hard--and vot can a gemman 'spect more in this vorld?"

We returned no answer to his suggestion, and finding that we were
disposed to be serious, and not likely to stand any more of his
nonsense, he requested permission to occupy the same place where he had
secreted himself when the bushranger buried his gold; and while one of
us walked over the clearing he thought he could tell when we reached the
exact spot. He gave as a reason that he had taken the bearings of the
place by a tree which stood on a line with the bushranger while digging.

We gratified his humor, but to prevent trickery Fred was despatched to
watch his movements and prevent escape. Steel Spring vowed and protested
that he meant honestly by us; but he was too notorious a liar to be
believed, and when he found that we would not trust him, he appeared to
be highly pleased, and considered it a proof of his sagacity and
cunning.

We watched them as they walked to the spot which Steel Spring
indicated--a distance of nearly a quarter of a mile from the clearing;
and when the fellow announced that he was ready for the test, I slowly
passed over such portions of the ground as I thought contained the
money.

Three or four times did I pass over the ashes where the bodies of the
dead bushrangers were burned, and yet I heard no indications from Steel
Spring. At last I set my compass, and walked in an exact south-eastern
direction, about ten paces from the location of the hut, and within a
dozen feet of the hole which we had already dug.

"Stop," said the long-legged biped, "don't move for your life! Vait till
I comes--you've hit it for a farding."

With springs which caused Rover to howl with jealousy, the fellow
bounded over the bushes towards us, and in a minute's time was beside
me.

"Give me the shovel!" he cried, in an excited manner. "I is certain that
you is standing on the place."

"Here is a shovel," said Smith, with a wink of mischief at us; "let us
see how soon you can bring t